Saving lives
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Albert Nolen
The Gift of Life has decided to postpone their Champagne & Ribs event until the spring of 2023. It will be then an anticipated crowd of more than 1,200 guests can gather safely in person to help pay tribute to five exceptional people who have been committed to the organization’s mission of help fight cancer and save lives. The exciting lineup of honorees are Bishop Emeritus Curtis Guillory, investment advisor Brad Klein, businessman and chairman of Board of Regents of Texas State University System William “Bill” Scott, attorney and former president of the Jefferson County Bar Association Mitchell Smith, and Symphony of Southeast Texas Maestro Chelsea Tipton II. As it has been successful in doing throughout the pandemic, the GOL will continue providing critical education about the importance of early detection and lifesaving free cancer screenings and access to treatment to individuals who cannot afford healthcare or insurance, and nurturing care for those who are diagnosed with cancer. Kudos to GOL that is the only organization of its type, in the region, where all funds stay local and has also helped save the lives of more than 350 Southeast Texans.
All aboard… Last Friday evening, Flight Anayat House took off at the Downtown Event Centre with board members dressed as pilots and flight attendants to help guide a huge crowd of vacation style folks for a trip “Around the World” under the guideship of director Tressa Clarke and chair Katie Celli. In the mix enjoying delicious airplane food of Bando’s Catering, libations and fun music of music were Molly and Richmond Bennett, Lauree and Dan Thompson, Blair Clarke, Regina Rogers, Jo Vance, Betty Clarke, Emily Wheeler, Paige Windham, Kellye and Ty Badon, Robin Whitney, Kate Davis, Amy Lovoi, Donald Fertitta, Allison and Mike Gilbert, Rachel Grove, Emily Wheeler, Raymond Begnaud, Macie Begnaud, Lauren and David Thieme, Sara and Paul Norman, Soheila and Sina Nejad, Stacie and Troy LeBlanc, Traci and Wagdy Rizk, Diana and Rodney Miles, Mary and Mark Goodman, Haylee Faggard, Celia and Craig Messer and too many more too mention. Fun time for such a worthy cause!
Laissez les bons temps rouler… The City of Beaumont official kicked off the first Mardi Gras event – the Krewe of Aurora Ball – last Saturday evening at the Beaumont Civic Center. Carrie Queen Garcia and hubby Jessie Garcia were crowned Queen and King ruling over the court. Dancing the night away were Marc McDonald, Vic Reyna, Maureen Croley, Ellen Schulz, Charity Angelle, Roni Stephenson, Chad Dubea, Emily and Jeff Wheeler, Katie Wallis, Michelle and Will Leonard, Cindy and Butch Frazier, Molly Moore, Emily Ross, Katie and Frank Celli, Carrie Broussard, Lindsay and Chris Theriot, John Rollins, Hannah LeTulle, Taryn and Chad King, Madelyn Messina, Nicki Messina, Taryn and James Bienvenu and many more revelers! On Thursday, Feb. 24, Mardi Gras Southeast Texas will take over downtown Beaumont through Sunday, Feb. 27. The Art Museum will join the fun on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. with “Krewe d’AMSET” at 500 Main St. Food, libations and raffle tickets for gift baskets. Along with Mardi Gras comes the Neches River Festival “Capes & Crowns 5” at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Event Centre. Come dressed in your gold, green and purple!
Sensational sounds… the symphony of Southeast Texas hosted a wonderful evening of music last Saturday at the Julie Rogers Theatre. Claire Huangci was amazing as she enthralled the audience with her incredible talent. In awe of pianist were Celia Crittenden, Jo Vance, Lil Lombardo, Tootsie Crutchfield, Bonnie Vessel, Dean Calcotte, Patricia Snyder, Kathe’ and Jim Hendricks, Charles Locke, Martha Foxworth, Camille Mouton, Tillie Hickman, Christina and Josh Crawford, Gisela Houseman, Joanne Brown, Sherry Baden and too many more. The symphony’s next event is Saturday, March 5, as they pay tribute to the sounds of Motown!
One night only… the gang from the local band Book of Days, featuring Bill Brooks, Justus Swanter, Russ Waddill, Doc Bradford and Will Leonard, will be back together at The Logon Café on Friday, Feb. 25. Tickets are $7 and music starts at 8 p.m.
Happy anniversary… to Kim and Thomas Burbank (26 years), Brenda and Burnice Wilson (34), and Kelli and Paul Trevino (35). Congrats!
Candles and cakes…belated best to Donna Oberle and Mike Yennie. B-day wishes to Tyler Crone, Miriam Thompson, Lindsay Sanders, Kevin Dang, Jacques Gagne, Bubba Davis, David Verde, Garrett Syphrett, Keith Watson, Rachel Grove, Jennifer Sparrow, Mike Simmons, Kathy Traylor, Jamie Hollier, Michael Perez, Landon Steinhagen, Chris Wade, Bill Bondurant, Mark Fiorenza, Sammy Citrano, Ashley Carter, Callie Elizabeth, Cara Kinchen, Kevin Barry, Patricia Pittman, David Red, Ellen Schulz, Lois Gibbs, Celia Crittenden, Michael Moore, Mallory Green and Melissa Cornwell.
Until the next RSVP!