Ascension Parish Cancer Patients Benefit from Gala

The Gonzales Area Foundation, through the support of the Ascension Parish community, raised $125,000 at the third annual Gonzales Gala held at Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. The funds raised will support education and early detection screenings, as well as survivorship services. Mary Bird Perkins in Gonzales offers these programs at no cost to patients and caregivers throughout the region. 

The sold out crowd was treated to a festive evening of cocktails, dinner, and a live auction. The Gonzales Area Foundation and Mary Bird Perkins speakers expressed their gratitude for the community’s generosity and shared how funds raised will directly impact cancer care for patients and families in Ascension Parish.

The Gonzales Gala is a signature event of the Gonzales Area Foundation. The gala committee included the executive leadership of DeEtte DeArmond, Ronnie Daigle, Wendy Daigle, and Melanie Boudreaux, as well many other dedicated community volunteers representing various industries and geographic areas of the parish.

“I always say, the more people give, the better life gets in Ascension Parish. And that certainly was evident at the gala,” said DeArmond. “At the end of the night, it filled everyone’s heart with joy as all the cancer survivors rang special hand-held bells. It was a wonderful moment as chimes filled the room as we came together as a community to celebrate our friends and neighbors who are survivors of this disease.”

Mary Bird Perkins and St. Elizabeth Hospital have partnered for years to provide cancer services in Ascension Parish. Today, the Cancer Center offers advanced cancer-fighting technology and vital on-site services, including nutritional and social services, early detection and outreach, and patient financial counseling.

“We look forward to the day when we’ll be able to say that cancer is no more. But, until that time, the Cancer Center, along with our partner, St. Elizabeth Hospital, will be here to continue advancing cancer care,” said Ethan Bush, vice president and chief development officer, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center thanks the many sponsors who made the successful evening possible, including the Courage-level sponsors: R.J. Daigle and Sons Contractors, Price LeBlanc Toyota/Nissan/Lexus, and Houmas House Plantation and Gardens.

For sponsorship or ticket information for the 2019 gala, contact DeArmond at (225) 715-1561.

 

03/15/2018