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Gift of Life presents Champagne & Ribs - March 9 at 6:30pm - Beaumont Civic Center
The Gift of Life has been fighting the good fight since its inception in 1994. Originally dedicated to providing free mammograms for medically underserved women, over the past decade, the organization’s services have multiplied and the agency has grown into one of the largest cancer screening initiatives of its type in the state of Texas.
In 2000, the Gift of Life broadened its breast cancer mission to include prostate cancer, offering free screenings and educational presentations for men who cannot afford insurance or high deductibles. Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men and is the second-leading cause of cancer death.
Since 2000, the Gift of Life has conducted more than 10,700 free prostate cancer screenings and helped extend the lives of 77 men who have been diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer. Statistics reflect that the five-year survival rate for men diagnosed early with localized prostate cancer is nearly 100%.
Even more funds and awareness will be raised when the Gift of Life welcomes the return of the in-person “Party of the Year” on Thursday, March 9, with its popular Champagne & Ribs event at the Beaumont Civic Center.
Ever-Lovin’ Event Co-Chairs Mike Roebuck, Verna Rutherford and Tim Sudela have gathered around the chuck wagon to plan a shindig of fabulous festivities the include barn-shakin’ live entertainment with live music by the unique dance band Party Machine, as well as a phenomenal auction, all-you-can-eat, five-star fixins prepared by Bando’s, and incredible bubbly beverages.
The “rootin’, tootin’ toastmaster”, Keith Giblin, will ensure the event runs “by the book” as our Master of Ceremonies.
Event tickets are $175 per person and sponsorships are available. For more information, visit the giftoflifebmt.org or call (409) 833-3663.
This year’s Bonanza-themed hootenanny will spotlight exceptional community trailblazers – the Cartwright Crew of Honorees, which include Bishop Emeritus Curtis J. Guillory, Catholic Diocese of Beaumont; Brad Klein, prostate cancer survivor and investment advisor; William “Bill” Scott, Chairman of Trans-Global Solutions; J. Mitchell Smith, attorney; and Maestro Chelsea Tipton, Symphony of Southeast Texas.
“We are proud to pay tribute to these extraordinary community leaders who have been committed to our program’s mission of helping save lives,” said Gift of Life Founder and Chair Regina Rogers. “Throughout the pandemic, Gift of Life has successfully continued providing critical education about the importance of early detection and free cancer screenings with access to treatment for individuals (throughout seven counties) who cannot afford healthcare or insurance, as well as nurturing care for those who are diagnosed with cancer.”
Big Hoss Honorary Co-Chairs John Adolph, Mark Kubala, Bob Wortham and Joe Penland encourage everyone to support this cause as all event proceeds remain in our community and provide essential health and educational services.
This “Ponderosa Party of the Year” benefits Gift of Life’s no-charge services that include prostate cancer screenings, primary care tests, physician consults, and navigation to follow-up care for medically underserved Southeast Texas men.
In 2022, Gift of Life provided nearly 500 local men with medical and cancer prevention services, and the majority of clients’ screening outcomes indicated further necessary care for potentially life-threatening conditions.
“Thanks to Gift of Life my life has been saved,” said Gift of Life survivor Jose Hernandez. “I had advanced prostate cancer and it was spreading. After two years of treatment, the cancer is gone. I recommend Gift of Life to many people who are searching for help, and I tell the men they should get checked. God bless this program and its staff.”
The Champagne & Ribs Cartwright Crew of Honorees stated they are proud to partake in this year’s big event. “The event raises critical funds to help the organization pay for its lifesaving healthcare services and prostate cancer screenings,” the honorees said in a statement.
“Be a man and get checked.” Early detection is the absolute best protection. For detailed information about Champagne & Ribs or receive more information about prostate cancer and screenings, view giftofllifebmt.org.
-Chad Cooper, Entertainment Editor