The oil and gas industry gets kicked around by community activists who don’t like fossil fuels or their operations nearby, but there is a great upside to the industry. It rains tax revenue on the state and local communities alike, generates jobs and gives politicians another thing to argue about.

And last month it had a Mardi Gras ball for charity. Laissez les bons temps rouler

“It often goes unsaid, but our energy industry members tirelessly give back to the communities in which they live,” Scott Prestidge, the amicable flack for the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, told me in an email. “There are days when working for a trade association, representing their great work and witnessing their efforts, is absolutely humbling.”

What did they do this time? Raised more than $200,000 for Denver’s Tennyson Center for Children, which helps victims of severe abuse, neglect or trauma.

“The Tennyson Center’s leadership and staff work tirelessly to support children and give them a chance at a new beginning. Our hats are off to the organization and their entire team for lifting up our community and providing real life second chances to those who deserve it most,” said my friend and former Denver Post co-worker Dan Haley, who is now president of the trade association.”

Threw in Chip Rimer, the senior VP of Noble Energy: “I am gratified and humbled by the generosity that our industry has shown to this outstanding community partner. By working together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless children for years to come.”

Here’s what COGA says about the Tennyson Center:

Tennyson Center for Children, based in Denver, Colo., is dedicated to helping children who haveexperienced severe abuse, neglect and/or trauma so they can bravely, and safely, change their life’sstory. For the past 113 years, Tennyson’s trained professionals have empowered generations ofchildren and families by providing a child-centered, customized approach to healing through ourcommunity-based, school, and/or residential programs. The primary goal of all TCC programs is toreintegrate our children back into safe families, supportive schools and vibrant communities.

Haters can protest the pipelines and property lines another day.

COGA handed out some other awards at the ball: