NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The American Cancer Society (ACS) will host its 19th Annual Belles & Beaus Ball of New Orleans on Friday, Sept. 13, from 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Mardi Gras World. The VIP Patron Party will precede the Ball from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. This year’s theme is titled, “The Keys of Hope.” The evening includes an elegant dinner with delicious cuisine from 12 Seasons Catering, specialty cocktails by the Stoli Group, and entertainment by T. Ray the Violinist and the Royal Essence Showband. Attendees will enjoy late-night dancing, a spectacular silent auction, a jewelry raffle, designer handbag drawing, wine pull, and much more. The evening will also include a special moment memorializing three Ball honorees who passed away this year: Leslie Marsh, Nancy Parker, and Dr. Mark Peters. Proceeds from this year’s event will help underwrite one year of operations at the Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge on River Road in New Orleans.
Nineteen individuals who have made significant contributions in the fight against cancer will be honored at the annual event. The evening’s host is FOX 8 anchor, Kim Holden, and the event is chaired by Ann Heslin along with honorary chair State Representative Julie Stokes.
| Belles | Beaus |
| Dianne Breaux, Breaux Mart | Dr. Dennis Kay, Ochsner Health System |
| Dr. Elizabeth Foley Bucher, The Skin Surgery Centre | Blaine Kern, Jr., Mardi Gras Productions |
| Courtney Dini, Ochsner Health System | Dr. Marc Matrana, Ochsner Health System |
| Elizabeth “Liz” Baldwin Hefler, Hancock Whitney Bank | Dr. David Oubre, Pontchartrain Cancer Center |
| Leslie Marsh (posthumously), Tulane University, The Baronne Group | |
| Dr. Jason Parker, self-employed | |
| Dr. Cori A. Morrison, Children’s Hospital New Orleans | Dr. Mark Peters (posthumously), United Healthcare |
| Anne Falgoust Ott, Demonte & Falgoust, LLC. | Dr. Roland Waguespack III, East Jefferson General Hospital |
| Nancy Parker (posthumously), FOX 8 News | Dr. Mark Wegmann, Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates |
| Dr. Laura Beth Ramirez, Touro Infirmary | Dr. Rodrek E. Williams, Parish Management Consultants |
| Stacey Shane Schott, 1st Lake Properties |
The VIP Patron Party is an opportunity for guests to mingle with the Belles and Beaus in Mardi Gras World’s Bienville Lounge. Patrons will enjoy complimentary valet parking, delectable bites by 12 Seasons Catering, and specialty cocktails by the Stoli Group. Entertainment at the Patron Party will be provided by T. Ray the Violinist.
The energetic Royal Essence Showband will entertain guests at the black-tie Ball. Auction items feature spectacular vacation packages, local art, and jewelry. Raffle tickets are available for an exquisite pearl and diamond bracelet from Friend and Company retailed at $4,000. The winner of the raffle will be announced live at the Ball. Black Tie Auctioneer, Chuck Mutz, will lead a special ask exclusively benefitting the Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge.
The Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge is a unique “home away from home” that offers cancer patients and their caregivers a free place to stay when traveling to New Orleans for treatment. More than just a roof over their heads, it’s a nurturing community that helps patients access the care they need.
“We are thrilled that one hundred percent of the proceeds from this year’s Ball will help underwrite one year of operations at the Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge,” said Ball Chair Ann Heslin. “The Hope Lodge offers a supportive, homelike environment where patients can share a meal, join in the evening’s activities, or unwind in their own private room. It’s as unique as the Big Easy itself — there’s truly nothing else like it in New Orleans.”
Event tickets are available online until September 11, 2019. For ticket information, visit www.bellesandbeausball.com or contact Lisa Cabonari atlisa.carbonari@cancer.org or 504-219-2282.
Ball sponsors include: Ochsner Health System, Receivable Recovery Services, Tulane Health System, Children’s Hospital New Orleans, Stacey & Paul Schott, Henry & Pat Shane, Freeport McMoran, Deep Fried Advertising, FOX 8, and Renaissance Publishing.
