Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and Terrebonne General Health System’s signature fundraising event, The Gala Goes to Mardi Gras, returned to Houma on Jan. 13 for the first time since 2019. With more than 275 guests in attendance, the event raised over $170,000 to support cancer patients and their families in the Bayou Region. The event featured entertainment, a silent auction, a wine pull and a Royal Krewe that engaged in fundraising.
“What a phenomenal night coming together to make an impact on the lives of cancer patients and their families,” said Danielle Mack, CFRE, vice president and chief development officer, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Community support is still more important than ever and was demonstrated through the successful return of The Gala and its remarkable turnout. We love working with the phenomenal team at Terrebonne General Health System. Together, we are lessening the burden of cancer for our communities in the Bayou Region.”
The Royal Krewe raised more than $86,000 collectively, incorporating a peer-to-peer fundraising component that garnered 492 individual donors. Sheriff Timothy Soignet and Kandice B. Francis were crowned King and Queen, raising $19,100 and $17,100, respectively. Funds raised will fund vital patient support services including clinical trials, nutritional services, survivorship services, and much more.
“Time and time again, I’m amazed by the generosity of our community,” said Phyllis Peoples, president and CEO of Terrebonne General Health System. “We know that, for many members of our community, transportation and other challenges make it hard for them to access health services they rely on. The money raised at this event will go directly to supporting cancer patients here in our Region, so our family members, friends and neighbors can access services right here in Houma.”
Pictured here are, left to right, Kandice B. Francis, Courtney C. Sanford, Sheriff Timothy Soignet, Mimi Porche, Brett Means, Debbie Chiasson, and Jason “The Cajun Ninja” Derouen.