Mary Bird Perkins-Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center Variety Show Experience a Success
Baton Rouge, La. — Supporters of Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center put on their poodle skirts and leather jackets and ventured back to the 1950s — all while raising over $355,000 to help individuals and families in the community impacted by cancer. The Gala Goes Grease, presented by GMFS Mortgage, is the Cancer Center’s annual fundraiser, and this year was a variety show experience streamed on Facebook Live and other platforms. Viewers were treated to over the top musical performances, witty dialogue, meaningful patient stories, a rockin’ silent auction, presented by Performance Contractors, and an exciting Prom Court presentation, presented by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry. Portions of the proceeds raised also go to support Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge.
Danielle Mack, vice president and chief development officer, Mary Bird Perkins, believes that despite not having the ability to host an in-person event, the support was impactful as ever.
“Although we were unable to gather under one roof, seeing firsthand the overwhelming generosity and enthusiasm of our community was both remarkable and inspiring,” said Mack. “The Gala is a powerful testament of how even in a unique year, together we can triumph, while making a meaningful impact on the lives of cancer patients and their families.”
The supportive group of individuals who made up this year’s Gala Goes Grease Prom Court, presented by Lee Michaels, raised over $100,000, and was showcased throughout the broadcast, culminated in an exciting crowning ceremony of the prom queen and king, Tara McKernan, GMFS Mortgage, and Brett Furr, Taylor Porter.
Other Prom Court members included: Matt Adler, Kinesics; Whitney Breaux, Day18 Campaign; Donald R. Chube Jr., Louisiana Lottery; Lauren Mongrue, Lipsey’s; Ashley Mullens, LSU AgCenter; Samir Patel, MD, The NeuroMedical Center; Erin Pou, 225 Magazine; and Chase Rainey, Performance Contractors, Inc.
With over 15 watch parties streaming from across the Baton Rouge area, as well as viewers tuning in from home, The Gala Goes Grease received an immense amount of engagement through various platforms such as Facebook Live, Vimeo, and YouTube.
Other key sponsors include: L’Auberge Casino & Hotel, Geaux Clean, Performance Contractors and Louisiana Lottery.
For more information about the event and a full list of event partners, please visit thegalagoes.org or contact Chrissy Dupuy at (225) 215–1221 or cdupuy@marybird.com.
About Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center
As a premier destination for cancer care, Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center offers the most advance technology and services provided by a dedicated team of nationally-recognized oncology experts. MBP-OLOL provides best-practice, comprehensive care at every stage of the cancer journey, including disease site-specific multidisciplinary care teams, a robust clinical research program, extensive supportive care services and is the first facility in the Gulf South to offer the revolutionary Leksell Gamma Knife®Icon™. The American College of Surgeons has named MBP-OLOL a recipient of its prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award for three consecutive survey cycles. As a nonprofit organization, donor generosity is essential to sustaining the mission of improving survivorship and lessening the burden of cancer for so many throughout Southeast Louisiana and beyond. For more information on MBP-OLOL, and how you can become involved, please visit http://www.marybirdlake.org/.