the other event that i am planning not to miss will be The Belles & Beaus Ball, formerly Hope Gala, is one of the most well-attended and exciting fund raising events in New Orleans. The evening is packed with dancing, entertainment, dining, auctions and much more. The event will offer elegant surroundings, scrumptious foods, fragrant wines, and a night of revelry and merrymaking.Event Location: Mardi Gras World Ballroom,1380 Port of New Orleans Proceeds from the Beaus & Belles Ball will support the American Cancer Society’s mission to save lives and create more birthdays by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back. The Beaus & Belles Ball is organized by a volunteer committee. Space is limited and tickets sell fast, so make plans now to purchase tickets to attend and be a part of the excitement. Together with our millions of supporters, the American Cancer Society saves lives and creates more birthdays by helping people stay well, helping them get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back against cancer.. 2014 Honorees Belles Liz Cabrera, R.D., CNSP CabreraLiz is the Lead Clinical Dietician for Touro Infirmary and over the last 25 years has been committed to educating cancer patients about the role of nutrition during treatment and through survivorship. As Lead Dietician, Liz assists cancer patients undergoing treatment in improving their quality of life through good nutrition. Additionally, she serves on Touro’s Cancer Committee, teaches a weekly chemo class to new patients and is a regular instructor of the hospital support. Additionally, Liz participates in community outreach programs related to cancer including regular cooking demonstrations on cancer fighting foods. In 2014, she developed a monthly cancer nutrition series for Touro cancer patients and survivors in partnership with the New Orleans Cooking experience on how to choose healthy ingredients when cooking and dining out, reinforcing the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Liz is a strong advocate and volunteer of the American Cancer Society program Look Good Feel Better at Touro. Michele Cooper, M.D. CooperDr. Michele Cooper, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, practices on the Northshore, where Inside Northside magazine named her Best Plastic Surgeon for two consecutive years. Recognized for her compassion and skill, Dr. Cooper has received accolades and honors from both patients and colleagues. Educated primarily in Maryland, she came to New Orleans for medical school and surgical training at LSU. She was the first fellow in pediatric craniofacial surgery at Children’s Hospital and the first female plastic surgeon on the craniofacial team. Two years ago, Dr. Cooper was involved with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons effort to initiate the first Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, which was celebrated locally and focused the national spotlight on New Orleans. In conjunction with her husband Dr. Scott Sullivan, she has advanced awareness of reconstructive options for breast cancer patients. For over a decade, Dr. Cooper has generously offered her time and expertise to cancer patients, providing pro-bono care for the majority. Others benefitting from her community endeavors include the homeless youth of Covenant House, Second Harvesters Food Bank recipients, and young women furthering their education in the fields of math and science. Her compassion, dedication and extraordinary skills are our good fortune. Janet DellaCroce DellaCroceJanet DellaCroce has a special connection to the American Cancer Society. She has been a leader and volunteer towards the operation and ongoing development of services at the Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge in New Orleans for 4 years. Her gift of leadership and time began when her husband Dr. Frank DellaCroce, founder of the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery, told her about the Hope lodge and that it was one of the most visible examples he had seen of a charitable organization in action. They both agree that New Orleans should be very proud to have it. Janet graduated with a degree in Radiologic Technology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 1991. She continued to further her training and specialization in Mammography where her encounters with those affected by breast cancer began. As her family grew, she decided to retire from the clinical arena and dedicate more time to their 3 children and charitable work for the community. Janet has served on the Advisory Committee for the Hope Lodge and was recognized as an Outstanding Volunteer in 2013, stating that its a very positive and supporting environment for those facing cancer ...and also we are called to serve others and volunteering at the Hope Lodge is a wonderful way to give back. Patricia Denechaud DenechaudPatricia Denechaud is a New Orleans native, graduate of St Mary’s College, Notre Dame, President of Crescent City Consultants, and a cancer survivor. Mrs. Denechaud has been an active community leader for the past 40 years serving in numerous ways. She serves as Honorary Consul of Canada in Louisiana and is Director of the World Trade Center. She is a board member and former President of the Louisiana Chapter of the International Women’s Forum and serves on the boards of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, Daughters of Charity, LSU Health Sciences Center Foundation, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, and First Bank and Trust to name a few. Additionally, she was the founder of the New Orleans affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Mrs. Denechaud has received much recognition for her work, including being named Ursuline Academy’s Alumna of the Year, Grace House “Woman of Substance,” and receiving the Revlon “Commitment to Life Award” among many other distinctions. Pat is married to Charles Denechaud lll, has two daughters and four grandsons. Jill D. Fitzpatrick, PA-C FitzpatrickJill is a New Orleans native and graduate of the Emory School Medicine Physician Assistant Program. She is currently a Physician Assistant at Ochsner Cancer Institute where she specializes in solid tumor oncology and Cancer Survivorship Care. At Ochsner, Jill continues to see a spectrum of patients from newly diagnosed to treatment and long term follow ups. She has a keen interest in Survivorship Care given the number of survivors is estimated to be 19 million by 2024. Jill has established a dedicated clinic for cancer survivors to address their unique healthcare needs, maximizing quality of life, and helping each survivor live well beyond cancer, addressing any psychological, social and financial issues which can be a result of diagnosis. She draws inspiration daily from the courage, strength, and resilience of her patients. Outside of work, Jill enjoys traveling and local music food with her husband Grady and two daughters, Libby and Mary Frances. Holley Haag HaagHolley is a graduate of Tulane and currently serves as Commercial Relationship Manager and Senior Vice President at First NBC Bank. Among her many civic and charitable endeavors, She currently serves as a Board Member of Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful, Daughters of the Charity Services of New Orleans and Susan G. Komen along with being the 2014 Corporate Sponsor Chair for Friends of City Park Lark in the Park and Academy of the Scared Heart Tour de Maisons Co-Chair for 2014. Additionally, Holley is a committee member for Key to the Cure, Chef’s Summer Cure, Celebration in the Oaks, and the American Heart Association. She is also a sustainer of the Junior League of New Orleans. Recently, Holley was names a 2014 Prix D’Elegance Woman of Fashion. Holley is a recent breast cancer survivor, leading a perfectly healthy and normal life with boundless energy and an indomitable spirit who is devoted to giving her time to find a cure to end this disease. Katie DeVries Kelly KellyWife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt and legal marketing professional. These are just a few words to describe Katie Kelly. In May, at 30 years of age, Katie added “fighter” to this list, and is currently facing her toughest battle yet- stage 2 breast cancer. Katie is currently undergoing chemotherapy and looks forward to celebrating her life cancer free, along with supporting others fighting the battle, as so many are doing for her. Katie is an LSU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication. She’s been proud to call New Orleans home for more than seven years and enjoys spending time with her family, photography, traveling and socializing. Coral Maher MaherCoral is a dedicated Senior Media Specialist at WVUE/Fox 8. A recent survivor of breast cancer, Ms. Maher is a strong supporter of the American Cancer Society. An active volunteer, Ms. Maher served on the Belle Reve New Orleans Board of Directors for over ten years. Ms. Maher is honored to be included in the Belles and Beaus Ball and dedicates this event to her mother who she lost prematurely to cancer. She is appreciative of the excellent medical care she received locally and other cancer survivors who inspired her along her personal journey. Evie Poitevent PoiteventEvie is New Orleans native and a graduate of the University of Virginia. After college she pursued a career in journalism where she reported and wrote for several national publications including USA Today, Food and Wine Magazine, and Health Magazine to name a few. After Katrina, Evie moved home to join the family business at Feet First where she wears many hats. Feet First now has three locations and has been voted the #1 shoe store in New Orleans the last five years by Gambit Weekly. Evie is an active board member of the Magazine Street Merchants Association and the Junior League. Cancer hits too close to home for Evie as several family members are survivors and her cousin lost his battle at the age of eight. By being an honoree, Evie feels she is paying tribute to her cousin and family members in remission and hopes this opportunity makes a difference directly in the Greater New Orleans area. Nerissa Wood, BSN, RN, OCN WoodNerissa Wood is an Oncology Quality Nurse at East Jefferson General Hospital and dedicates her profession to the prevention and treatment of cancer through education, mentoring and guidance. Nerissa currently serves as President of the local Oncology Nursing Society’s Chapter, serves as the coordinator for the annual MD Anderson Consordance Study, is the facilitator for the MD Anderson Multidisciplinary Planning Conferences and serves on the East Jefferson Annual Cancer Consortium Committee. Additionally, she was honored as a Louisiana Great 100 Nurse in 2010. Nerissa serves as a mentor for other nurses preparing for certification exams, has taught courses to nurses at the hospital and across Louisiana, and speaks to nursing students throughout the community. An active participant with Relay For Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Nerissa has dedicated her career to improving the care of patients with cancer and their families. Beaus Boysie Bollinger BoysieBoysie Bollinger is Chairman and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, a family owned full service marine construction and ship repair business established in 1946 with ten divisions in Louisiana and one in Texas. Boysie serves on numerous Boards of Directors, including being the current Chairman of the Board of First Bank and Trust. Additionally, Boysie devotes considerable time to professional and civic organizations including being the current Chairman of the Nicholls State University Foundation. He has served as Vice Chairman of the United States Coast Guard Foundation and has served as Chairman and still actively participates in multiple other local and state organizations. Boysie currently serves on the National Petroleum Council, and previously served on the President’s Export Council under President George H.W Bush administration. Additionally, Boysie was also a member of the Louisiana Recovery Authority and Bring New Orleans Back Commission. He has received many awards including being named a Louisiana Legend by Louisiana Public Broadcasting, New Orleans Propeller Club’s Maritime Man of the Year Award and the ACG Louisiana’s Lifetime Achievement Award to name a few. Boysie is married to Joy LeBlanc and has 3 sons. Will Bryant BryantWill Bryant is a New Orleans native and graduate of Loyola University, New Orleans. While at Loyola, Will was a member of the basketball team and served as Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach. Will attended De La Salle High School and was a member of the 1988 State Championship baseball team. After De La Salle, Will attended Perkiomen Prep School in Pennsburg, PA and in 2008 was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Before founding Pro Placement USA, Will was the Premium Accounts Manager for the New Orleans Hornets where he helped facilitate the refurbishing of several basketball courts at playgrounds around the city. Will actively serves on the boards at St. Charles Catholic High School and Playworks. Will also served as the Director of Development for the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana where he was responsible for the development and implementation of statewide fund-raising activities including management, analysis and reporting of development projects. Will and his wife Tonda have four children and when not attending to one of their many events, he enjoys playing sports, mainly golf and basketball. Michael Fontham MF Michael is a graduate of LSU and has a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. He is a leading legal author, a law professor, and a practicing attorney and partner at Stone Pigman. He currently teaches as an adjunct professor of law at Tulane and LSU School of Law, and previously served as a visiting professor at The University of Virginia School of Law. In addition, Michael was a three-time recipient of the Monte Lemann Award at Tulane for distinguished teaching, named to The Best Lawyers in America in the fields of appellate law and energy law, selected as one of Chambers USA America’s Leading Lawyers for Business in the field of public utility law, and selected as Louisiana Super Lawyers. While Mr. Fontham has spent his career practicing law, he has also served as a great encourager and supporter over the last 40 years to his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Fontham who is our a former National Board President for the American Cancer Society, served on countless boards, and is the Founding Dean of the LSU Health Sciences Center School of Public Health. While Michael feels his role has been to serve as “arm candy” we at ACS think he is much more than this and commend him for his years of indirect service to our organization. Erik Frank Frank, EricBorn and raised in New Orleans, Erik has been the model of health throughout his life. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, a certified personal trainer since 2001, a nutritionist, and former power lifter, winning the American Powerlifting Association’s national championship. Most recently, he became the founder of Your Nutrition Delivered. Winner of the 2013 Big Idea business pitch at Entrepreneur Week, His company provides fresh meals to clients who may have few options to eat healthy at work. Since Erik won the Big Idea business pitch at last year’s Entrepreneur Week, his company has made inroads into Hollywood South and is expanding into local corporations interested in reducing healthcare costs and boosting employee productivity. His health and wellness resource is has caught the attention of many and business is booming. Erik has served as an American Cancer Society volunteer and is a great community leader. Louis Grossman GrossmanLou Grossman has a unique connection to the Hope Lodge. During his first experience as a volunteer, Lou’s responsibilities quickly evolved from kitchen helper to amateur fire-fighter, as he worked quickly to extinguish a small inferno beneath an active gas grill before it could grow or spread. While the experience may have ruined the chicken dinner, it did not spoil Lou’s admiration for the work done by the American Cancer Society or his desire to help the Hope Lodge. He has continued in his efforts to support the American Cancer Society and the Hope Lodge, and hopes to maintain the relationship he has developed long into the future. After graduating from the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law, Lou established himself in the New Orleans legal community and became a partner with the Kean Miller law firm. Together with his wife, Ashley, Lou continues to volunteer throughout the community and to hone his skills as a runner and cyclist. Tom Hancock HancockTom Hancock is a Nashville Tennessee native and a graduate of the University of Tennessee. After returning home for a brief period after college, Tom relocated to New Orleans in 2008. Since that time, Tom has been an active member of the New Orleans community and an advocate for cancer research and awareness, donating his time and resources to various organizations. Professionally, Tom is a commercial real estate appraiser with Murphy Appraisal Services and a real estate agent with 10/12 Properties. He is considered one of the top up-and-coming real estate professionals in the greater New Orleans area. Tom is a resident of Uptown New Orleans, an active parishioner of Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church, a member of the New Orleans YLC, and enjoys the New Orleans Saints, Mardi Gras, and playing golf. Tom feels that were are all called to support those battling cancer, whether it be playing in a charity golf tournament, or even just phoning a friend to let them know that we care. Robert LeBlanc LeBlancRobert is a local entrepreneur with a keen eye for design and a love of music, culture and food. He opened Republic in 2006 which soon became the “place to be” and now has a portfolio that includes Sylvain, Meauxbar, and Barrel Proof, and soon Manor on Magazine’s opening later this fall. In addition to hospitality investments, Robert has begun to invest in other design-oriented retail brands that have a national and international reach and are based in New Orleans. He currently sits on Loyola’s Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors for NOCCA, and serves as Chairman of the Hospitality Committee on New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee. Though he supports many, the philanthropic causes that Robert holds most dear are the American Cancer Society, The St. Bernard Project, NOCCA and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Robert lives Uptown with his wife Danielle and their two sons, Robert and William. Ryan Messina MessinaRyan is a New Orleans native and graduate of Tulane. He currently works serves as Vice President of Sales with his family business, Receivable Recovery Systems, the premier debt collection agency in the Gulf South Region that has seen 30 years of results nationwide. Ryan serves as Vice President of Sales providing excellent service to his customers. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife Jennifer, a practicing OBGYN. The couple lives Uptown and enjoy wine tasting, travelling the globe, cooking, and local music. Ryan has served on the American Cancer Society Friends of Hope Lodge Major Gifts Board the last two years. He feels ACS has been extremely vital in helping turn the tide on cancer outcomes and because of ACS a cure is within reach. William Robinson, MD RobinsonA Tulane University Medical School graduate, Dr. Robinson is the Maxwell E. Lapham Professor of Gynecologic Oncology & Section Chief of Gynecologic Oncology at the Tulane Cancer Center. Dr. Robinson is the principal investigator on Tulane University School of Medicine’s recent $2 million Minority-Based Community Clinical Oncology Program grant that will expand community access to cancer prevention and treatment trials, especially among minority populations in the Greater New Orleans area and beyond. When he isn’t treating patients, writing grant applications or speaking about cancer risk and prevention to community groups or at local health fairs, Dr. Robinson plays guitar in the band NED – No Evidence of Cancer - can be found playing his guitar and a group comprised of six gynecologic surgeons from across the country whose goal is creating music with a mission - to bring hope to those facing a diagnosis of gynecologic cancer with his band comprised of six gynecologic surgeons from across the United States called “NED” No Evidence of Disease, a phrase that is music to the ears of every cancer patient. Gary Solomon, Jr. SolomonGary Solomon Jr. is the Co-Founder and President of Solomon Group, an entertainment design and production firm based in New Orleans. Since 2009, Gary has helmed some of the country’s most innovative live experiences, including the animated exterior lighting system for the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the Emmy® nominated broadcast environments for CBS’s coverage of the Super Bowl, ESSENCE Festival as well as several immersive exhibits at The National WWII Museum. The 28-year-old business owner has grown the company from five employees to a staff of over 100 in just five years. With Solomon Group’s rapid expansion, Gary has gained national attention as perhaps the brightest example of the young entrepreneurs succeeding in New Orleans. Recently, he was named to Inc. Magazine’s prestigious “30 Under 30: World’s Coolest Young Entrepreneurs” list and has been featured in The Atlantic, SUCCESS Magazine, Forbes and USA Today. Some of Gary’s own family members were fortunate to survive cancer after receiving excellent treatment. It instilled a passion in him for continued research, so that others in the New Orleans area are able to receive the services they need to fight and overcome this terrible disease.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 22:38:56 +0000
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