The Cancer Crusaders, an all-volunteer group founded in 1976, has raised more than $5 million for cancer research in New Orleans.
Proceeds from the annual fundraisers and donations from community organizations are equally divided between LSU and Tulane cancer centers.
One of the events that helps it raise money is its Celebration of Life Luncheon, which was held Sept. 15 at the Marriott Hotel.
Now it its 22nd iteration, the luncheon is always popular and the ballroom was filled with supporters who were there to raise funds as well as celebrate cancer survivors who are active in the community. This year’s 11 honorees, who were announced by Maddie Kerth, included: Earlene Ally, Joy Broggi, Carolyn Escher, Brenda Gillen, Susan Happel, Isabella Meyer, Ann Olvany, Debbie Perrone, John Perrone Jr., Don M. Richard and Valerie Kemper Simons.
A champagne reception kicked the afternoon’s activities off, with guests perusing 145 silent auction and 100 Parade of Prizes items or participating in the jewelry raffle of a 31-inch Tahitian pedal necklace or the purse raffle, which was a Brahmin purse and wallet filled with $500 cash and $1,400 in gift cards ranging from restaurants such as Mosca’s to spa services at Salon Senoj.
Fun Fact: The 2023 luncheon was on track to do better than 2022, which raised $214,871.
