Since 1976, Cancer Crusaders’ mission has been to raise funding for research to eradicate cancer. The 19th annual “Celebration of Life Luncheon” continues to champion that cause and honored cancer survivors in the community who are making a difference.
Luncheon Co-Chairs were Charleen Boos and Dawn Miller. 2019 Co-Presidents were Susie Baker and Linda Daigle. Sponsors included Angel Wings Foundation, Harbor Towing & Fleeting LLC, LSU Health Sciences Center and Tulane University Cancer Center.
A Patron Party was held at The Elms Mansion where all honorees and guests attended the cocktail reception.
Arriving at the luncheon, members entered the Marriott Ballroom to musical entertainment by Loyola School of Music’s Gordon Towell and Adam Brock. Mistress of Ceremonies Angela Hill welcomed the 560 guests. The National Anthem by Lauren Mouney Gisclair opened the event.
The 13 honorees who are cancer survivors and are active in their communities were introduced by Honoree Liaison Kathy Pastorek. The honorees were Nicholas G. Bazan, M.D., Ph.D.; State Representative Ray Garofalo; Minnie Guas; Alison Hotard-Treas; Mary Myers Jones; Kenneth Kerth; Julianne Lansing; DeNean La Roche; Carol Ludwig; Don Mouney; Missie Arata Noel; Yvonne Spicuzza; and Phyllis Stacy.
The check from 2018 fundraisers for $171,521 was presented to Dr. Prescott Deininger with Tulane and Dr. Augusto Ochoa with LSU by the 2018 Co-Presidents Celia Deininger and Cindy Wooderson.
Amanda Shaw provided luncheon entertainment. Guests were served salad, grilled New York strip and crème brulée for dessert.
Guests bid on the 188 auction items and 105 items in the parade of prizes along with raffles for Southwest Airlines tickets, Disney theme park tickets, pearl earrings, a necklace from Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry and a mystery prize.
Event at a Glance
What: 19th annual “Celebration of Life Luncheon,” benefiting Cancer Crusaders
When: Friday, October 11, 2019
Where: New Orleans Marriott Hotel
Mickey Rodriguez, Co-Presidents Linda Daigle and Susie Baker and Julie Beltz
Executive/Artistic Director Maestro Dennis Assaf with Presenting Sponsors Pat and Henry Shane
