The 20th Annual Celebration of Life Luncheon, run by the local, all-volunteer nonprofit Cancer Crusaders, raised $89,000 for cancer research at LSU Health Sciences Center and Tulane Cancer Center.
A Patron Party at the Elms Mansion preceded the luncheon, which introduced the cancer survivor honorees at a cocktail reception.
Co-Chairs Dawn Miller and Charleen Boos welcomed more than 400 guests to the New Orleans Marriott ballroom for the luncheon program, which began with a champagne reception and music performed by Loyola School of Music’s Gordon Towell and Don Vappe.
Gregory Ricks served as emcee and spoke of the 12 honorees as “those indomitable spirits who are cancer survivors.” Honoree Liaison Kathy Pastorek introduced the dozen honorees: Antoinette Bradstreet, Leonora Dowell, Marion Edwards, Inez Reyes Fernandez, Kelly Fernon-Shaw, Mercedes Hodge, Judy Darby Hoffmeister, Cindy Christenberry Moll, Carol Osborne, Hector Pineda, Judith Russell and Ava Marie Scaglione.
During the luncheon, guests enjoyed entertainment by the Kenneth Kerth Jazz Band. Centerpieces by Fancy Faces Decor featured jazz silhouettes, a lighted cube topped with feathers and musical instruments.
Guests bid on 100 Parade of Prizes, 200 auction items and a raffle featuring Lee Michaels diamond hoop earrings.
Major sponsors were Angel Wings Foundation and Larry and Marla Garvey. Additional top sponsors included The Elms Mansion, Jane Goldring, Harbor Towing and Fleeting LLC, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Gregory Ricks and Associates, LSUHSC/Cancer Center and Tulane Cancer Center.
Event At A Glance
What: 20th Annual Celebration of Life Luncheon benefiting Cancer Crusaders
When: January 28, 2022
Where: New Orleans Marriott