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New Orleans Medical Mission Services held its annual Mission Possible on Friday evening, June 25, at Generations Hall. A patron party kicked off the festivities and fundraising followed by an action-packed gala attended by Rosa Elena de Lobo, First Lady of the Republic of Honduras.
The fiesta began with the Volunteer of the Year Award given to Noah Pritchard of Harahan. Close to 600 attended the main event, and for good reason! The delectable offerings included a grilled vegetable and fruit table, and beef and turkey carving stations from Fleur de Lis New Orleans Cuisine; cochon de lait stuffed with jambalaya by Besh Restaurant Group; and sweet treats from The Ambrosia Bakery and Swiss Confectionary. Guests also enjoyed music by The Yat Pack.
The silent auction featured donations from Abita, Audubon Nature Institute, Banbury Cross, The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts, Krewe of Orpheus, Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, Nola Beans and more. A dramatic live auction showcased an assortment of luxurious getaways.
The nonprofit NOMMS began in 2001 by local physicians and professionals who sought to offer international aid to those in need. They started their campaign in Central and South America. The group brings services, medical equipment and educational programs to qualified organizations abroad. The volunteer base – consisting of doctors, nurses and both medical and non-medical professionals – grew from 30 to more than 400 in 2009. Also impressive is the group’s record of 11 surgical missions, 1,700 medical interventions, 48 shipments of medical materials and 17,057 pairs of glasses, resulting in a grand total of $10 million of medical services and materials donated. NOMMS also contributes locally.
