The Rotary Club of Picayune held a cookout and Mardi Gras parade for the residents of Bridgeway Apartments Tuesday morning.

Bridgeway Apartments is a private owned nonprofit that serves 24 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who receive the opportunity to become integrated into the community and also secure employment.

Jason Kirkland, director of operations at Bridgeway Apartments, said Rotary Club took immediate advantage of the opportunity to help the residents at Bridgeway. He said that all residents at the facility have been looking forward to this year’s event after they enjoyed last year’s event.

Rotarians arrived early to prepare the lunch, which included hamburgers, hot and mild sausages, potato salad, chips and king cake.

Suzan Wilson, member of the Club, said the event is in its second year and is part of a community service project to help the residents. She said the project follows suit with Rotary’s motto, “service above self” and serving them satisfies the motto.

“It gives you a sense of satisfaction in helping people that are less fortunate than you are,” Wilson said.

After the lunch, everyone headed outside for the parade where Rotarians threw beads and offered colorful gifts to the residents.

Rotary president elect Tana Cochran, said the Club tries to keep the event as traditional as possible.

“The second line parade is popular in New Orleans where they go around in a circle throwing beads and trinkets and serve traditional Mardi Gras food,” Cochran said.

Cochran said organizing the event was very rewarding because they got a chance to see the joy the event brought to residents of Bridgeway.