Gonzales Area Foundation funds to provide vital cancer support for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center patients.
(Gonzales, La.) The Gonzales Area Foundation, through the support of the Ascension Parish community, raised $125,000 at the third annual Gonzales Gala held Saturday, Jan. 20 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 high-quality cancer services in Ascension Parish. Today, the Cancer Center offers the most 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.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is a regional cancer care organization that has been fighting cancer for more than 40 years. With five centers in Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Houma and Gonzales, its service area encompasses 18 parishes across southeast Louisiana. For more information, please visit www.marybird.org.