Benefits of Home Gala Poised to Break Record

Cancer Center fundraiser open to community

  Northshore residents have a chance to be part of record-breaking fundraising in a unique party venue August 22. The Greater Northshore President’s Council invites community members to attend the annual Benefits of Home Gala benefiting Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital. The event will be held on Thursday, August 22 at 6:30 p.m. and is generously underwritten by Hub International and Franco’s Athletic Club in Mandeville. Co-chairs Kendra France and Denise Ragan look forward to welcoming guests to an unforgettable evening for a great cause. The night will feature delicious offerings from local chefs, live jazz music and an exciting live auction featuring getaway vacations, hunting excursions and sporting event packages. Last year, the event became the Center’s largest one-day fundraiser in its history. More than 400 members of the community attended and raised more than $182,000 for the fight against cancer. “There was so much amazing support for the gala last year, and the President’s Council is hoping to set a new record this year,” said France. “The funds raised  by this event are vital to improving survivorship and lessening the burden of cancer for the many under-resourced residents in our community.” Proceeds from the event will help provide:

• Life-saving cancer treatment services for those who otherwise could not afford it
• Free community education and cancer screenings for medically underserved populations
• Vital transportation services for patients who need help getting to their treatments
• Nutritional supplements and support groups

In addition, the Greater Northshore President’s Council is selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a pair of 2013 New Orleans Saints season tickets. Raffle tickets may be purchased online for $100 each. The winning raffle ticket will be drawn at the gala on August 22. Winner need not be present to win. The Saints season tickets are non-transferable, nor may they be sold to someone else. For more information about live auction items, raffle tickets or event tickets for the Benefits of Home Gala, please visit   or contact Leslie Landry at (985) 286-6845 or LL.     Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital provides comprehensive cancer care that strives to positively impact the lives of cancer patients and their families on the Northshore. Services include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, as well as patient navigation, clinical trials and free community screenings. Not only do patients have access to these vital cancer services and high quality cancer care, but these services are readily available close to home.