Mayor John V Kelly, III has said he became a public servant for two reasons: to help people and make his community better. This dedication to public service led Holy Family Church to honor Mayor Kelly at their 8th Annual Mardi Gras Gala Dinner and Celebration on February 17.

Held at Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville, the parish took the time to use their celebration to thank Mayor Kelly for his loyalty and service as well as to recognize his commitment to family, faith and community.

“When someone receives an award, they are supposed to thank various people who helped them along the way,” Mayor Kelly said during an emotional acceptance speech. “Tonight I want to do something different and not thank particular people. 

“So this means that I will not be thanking my wife, my parents, my sisters, my in-laws – who traveled far to be here tonight – my aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, friends, colleagues, educators, the staff at the Nutley DPA, the town of Nutley, or even the Holy Family parish community.

“Instead, I will thank God. I will thank God for leading me to this wonderful Catholic community, who taught me my faith and stewardship. I will thank God for all my blessings, those that I recognize as blessings, like this award, and even those gifts that I may not appreciate as blessings right away or still haven't. Because everything is only possible with God and I thank God for the privilege and honor to be here tonight.”

The 8th Annual Mardi Gras Gala Dinner included a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing and live entertainment, as well as tributes and speeches from the Holy Family Church and Mayor Kelly as the honoree of the night.