Benefits of Home Gala Raises Over $150K for Cancer Center

Funds Provide Vital Cancer Services to Northshore Community

  The 2015 Benefits of Home Gala on Aug. 20, the signature annual fundraising event for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, generated over $150,000 – funds that stay local to provide vital cancer services to the Northshore, such as free community education and cancer screenings, nutritional supplements, state-of-the-art clinical trials, transportation assistance for patients who need help getting to their treatments and much more. Over the past four years, more than $650,000 has been raised through Benefits of Home for the local fight against cancer. “On behalf of those who will ultimately benefit from your generosity, we sincerely appreciate your support of this event whether through the purchase of an admission ticket, an auction item, or participation in several other unique activities offered tonight,” said Denise Ragan, event chair, addressing those at the Gala. Assisting Ragan was event co-chair Alan Zaunbrecher. This year’s event, hosted by Franco’s Health Club and Spa in Mandeville, was generously presented by Hub International. Guests enjoyed an evening of palate pleasing offerings from local chefs, musical entertainment by the John Gray Jazz Band and a rousing live auction with Master of Ceremonies and WDSU reporter, Heath Allen. The Greater Northshore President’s Council thanks everyone who helped organize and support this year’s spirited and successful event. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital provides comprehensive cancer care services including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, as well as patient navigation, clinical trials and free cancer community screenings. The Cancer Center is nationally accredited with commendation and recognized for excellence in cancer care by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. 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.