UPDATE: La Soirée postponed until 2023

By Chad Cooper
Entertainment Editor

UPDATE: Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation’s annual La Soirée fundraiser has been postponed until next year, when it will be scheduled Jan. 28, 2023.

"After consultation with our leadership, physicians and chairs we came to the conclusion that as an organization whose mission is to support the Sacred Work of Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas we could not in good conscious go on to hold our event while Covid cases are growing at such an alarming rate in our community," stated Kim Moncla, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation executive director of philanthropic services. "We are terribly disappointed not to be able to hold our largest fundraiser to benefit our Cancer Programs.

"The Foundation will carry forward all table purchases, seats, and sponsorships to the rescheduled date and no action is needed on your part. For those that need a refund on their donation we will process and send to them. We will miss seeing everyone in person and look forward to holding the party of the year when it is once again safe to gather."

Original:

Make plans now to travel under the seven seas and dive into adventure and experience another world at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation’s annual La Soirée – Fantasea. Dress in your best black and white to experience a festive time with music and entertainment reminiscent to the Spanish Galion era Saturday, Jan. 29, from 6:30-11:30 p.m.

The interior of the Beaumont Civic Center will look totally different than any previous La Soirée events. As patrons arrive, it will be as if you are boarding a ship, said Kim Moncla, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation executive director of philanthropic services. “There will also be a massive ship on the wall of the Civic Center,” she said. “It is really going to look cool.”

As you progress to the dining room, gala goers will totally be immersed under the sea with décor and a fabulous menu that will come with a Greek twist. Appetizers include flaming Greek cheese, Spanakopita, which is a savory spinach pie with cheese, shrimp cocktail, scallops and more.

The main course will be treated with a Greek salad, black angus center cut boneless short rib sided with garlic mashed potatoes. To top it off, guests will then snack on gelato made by Rao’s Bakery.

A myriad of performers befitting the theme will keep everyone entertained throughout the evening including a high-energy performance by the Party Crashers, who brings new dynamism to the Soirée every year. This seven-piece attraction will keep the dance floor jamming all evening.

The theme to this year’s La Soirée was inspired by Melissa and Chris Fisher, who are the co-chairs of the event.

“We wanted to recognize what the Port of Beaumont does for the community,” said Moncla. “They are a driver of our local economy and do so much in the community. Chris is also on our board.”

The Port of Beaumont Channel generates more than 67,000 jobs and is situated on one of the busiest waterways in the nation – the Sabine River Waterway. The port is the fifth largest port in the nation in terms of volume and the largest strategic military port in the United States. It’s also the most significant strategic military outload port in the nation and continues to grow each year under the strong leadership of the 842nd Transportation Battalion.

The impact of the Port of Beaumont vessel and cargo activity generates approximately $24.5 billion annually while conducting business with more than 200 companies in 39 different countries.

The port also gives millions of dollars in the area for community incentives, local scholarships and philanthropic efforts benefitting a variety of causes from hurricane relief to education.

“We are thrilled this year to recognize the leadership and contributions of the Port of Beaumont,” said the Fishers in a joint statement. “This entity is at the heart of our community and has done so much for our area. Through the extreme generosity of the board, chairs, committee members, and supporters, the Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation has been able to assist the hospital with projects to serve the people of Southeast Texas.”

In 2022, La Soirée will benefit the Baptist Hospital's Cancer Program. The community’s support is vital and all proceeds from La Soirée stay local. Past Soirée galas have supported vital improvements at the Julie and Ben Rogers Cancer Institute, equipment updates for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and a makeover of the Dauphin Women’s Center. Each project makes a huge difference in the lives of the patients and families served.

One of the core missions of the Baptist Regional Cancer Network is to provide the highest quality care to our patients and eliminate the need for those in Southeast Texas to travel to Houston for that care.

The cancer doctors within the Baptist Regional Cancer Network have decades of experience. Further, the Baptist team has also been a leader in bringing new technologies and treatment strategies to patients, from immunotherapy to stereotactic radiotherapy.

“In addition, the foundation provides funding to meet patient needs,” added the Fishers. “For kids in our care this includes coloring books, games and movies. For cancer patients this involves meeting basic needs such as transportation so that they may be able to continue treatment.

“For the hospital and the foundation, this past year has been unlike any other in recent history. Your support is needed now more than ever. Through your purchase of a table, tickets of through a donation, you join with us in providing the highest quality healthcare close to home for your neighbors in Southeast Texas.”

Tickets start at $250 each and table sponsorships range from $2,500 to $50,000. For tickets and underwriting opportunities, call (409) 212-6110 or view bhsetfoundation.org.

“We want to assure the community that we are monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely,” added Moncla. “Any changes to the event will be announced.”