Currently, Louisiana ranks No. 1 per capita in incidences of chronic kidney disease. The National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana hosted the 27th annual Le Gala de la Bonne Vie to invest resources in a healthier New Orleans community.
Seven community leaders were honored for their support of the foundation, for their commitment to their patients, for their desire to educate the masses about the importance of organ donation, for the courage to fight for their lives when it seems there is no end in sight, for their encouraging voice to other patients and collectively for their noble qualities. The honorees were: Darryl Cannon, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans; Justin Kennedy, Manager and Head Chef at Parkway Bakery and Tavern; Randy Levitt, Extended Operations Manager at Capital One; Dr. George “Tip” McKnight, a retired nephrologist; Stephen A. Morse, DO, MPH & TM, Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at LSU Health Sciences Center; Dramar Saul, Manufacturing Engineer at The Boeing Company and Founder of the Krewe of Saul; and Jeremy Waterbury, patient advocate and national member of the National Kidney Foundation’s Action Committee.
A patron event opened the gala with cocktails and bidding for silent auction items. Guests were treated to a wine tasting thanks to James Moises at Bizou Wines Importers and Distributors, and patrons enjoyed selections from 17 food purveyors.
The gala hosted one of its largest ever auctions, with over 80 silent auction items and 12 live auction items. Prizes included concert tickets, gift certificates, artwork and vacation packages.
Mark Romig served as Master of Ceremonies and Torie Kranze served as Event Chair; the event raised $45,000.