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Chair Gayle and Tom Benson with Ochsner CEO Warner Thomas
A moon and stars hung from the ceiling of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome as a grand welcome for the 2,150 attendees at the “2017 Moonlight & Miracles Gala.” This year’s gala recognized the contributions of two 2017 Miracle Makers of the Year: Karen Stall and Dr. Marc Matrana.
The evening opened with cocktail hour music and dinner entertainment by Jeremy Davenport. To kick off the event, a drum circle paraded throughout the Dome, led by the nationally acclaimed LED Champagne Creative Drum Group and New Orleans Master’s Touch Drumline comprised of student drumlines from local schools. The Marine Corps Band of New Orleans performed the national anthem.
Chef Lenny Martinsen of Centerplate provided catering. More than 200 tables were festooned with blue and gold glitter tablecloths and floral centerpieces. Following the Gala, centerpieces were brought to patient facilities and Hospice locations through a partnership with Hope Blooms.
Gayle Benson served as the 2017 Moonlight & Miracles Chair. Guests watched a milestone video featuring several cancer survivors, patients and a featured patient video of Mr. Gibson Sewell.
A raffle featured a grand prize of a 2018 White C300W Mercedes-Benz. After-dinner dancing under the Gala Moon was provided by Simply Irresistible.
“Moonlight and Miracles” raised more than $1.5 million for the Ochsner Cancer Institute, which offers comprehensive cancer services and access to cancer research and new cancer treatment development across the Gulf South.
Event at a Glance
What: “Moonlight and Miracles Gala,” benefiting Ochsner Health System
When: Friday, November 10
Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome
