Founded in 1969, the Ladies Leukemia League has been dedicated to raising money to find a cure (via funding research) for leukemia and related diseases — more than $4.3 million has been raised.
Its premier fundraising event is the annual Fête de Noël, which always attracts a large crowd to the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel — and this year’s luncheon, themed “A Cure Would Be So Sweet,” on Dec. 13 was no different.
In keeping with the theme, the decor included Christmas-themed tables with candy cane tree centerpieces placed on red-and-white stripped ribbons and volunteers wore sparkly lollipop pins. Even the luncheon’s dessert was in the festive spirit: spiced cheesecake with cookie crust, white chocolate and caramel crunch with caramel glaze and garnished with chocolate gingerbread men.
The silent auction offered an amazing array of items (just in time for holiday gifts!) and raffles included “A Holiday Wish from Aucoin Hart,” which was a gold and diamond ring; restaurant offerings; a Brahmin bag, a Mr. Bingle Christmas decoration and door prizes.
The highlights of the event were when the leukemia survivors Mary Dana Danby and Braylee Lambert were honored and grant recipients were announced: Matthew Burrow, Ph.D.; Zhen Lin, M.D., Ph.D.; Hua Lu, M.D., Ph.D. and Xiao Ni, M.D., Ph.D.
Event co-chairs were Lorraine Cucchiara and Lisa Baynham. Also attending was Ladies Leukemia League President Anita Hymel.
Fun Facts
LLL is composed of a fun group of volunteers who work together to produce this benefit highlighted by an over-the-top Dillard’s fashion show.
Angela Riviere, Lisa Baynham, Anita Hymel, Lorraine Cucchiara
Carolyn D’Antonio, Kathy Pastorek, Braylee Lambert, Ronny Michel
Christy Saladino, Mary Dana Dandry, Terri Kloor
Jeri Landry, Paula Pizzaloto
Priscilla Casey, Ana Eller, Cissy Tittle
