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Champagne and Ribs logo
Southeast Texas’ Gift of Life (GOL) announced the Champagne & Ribs “Party of the Year” set for Thursday, March 9, 2023, when it will recognize five distinguished honorees: Bishop Emeritus Curtis Guillory, investment advisor and prostate cancer survivor Brad Klein, Chairman of TGS and member of the Board of Regents of the Texas State University System William “Bill” Scott, attorney and former president of the Jefferson County Bar Association J. Mitchell Smith, and Symphony of Southeast Texas Maestro Chelsea Tipton.
“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 GOL Founder and Chair Regina Rogers.
With the help of the honorees, and a host of volunteers and community supporters, Rogers said the GOL mission has been able to continue its work – even in the face of a global pandemic.
“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 health care or insurance, as well as nurturing care for those who are diagnosed with cancer,” she said.
The fact that the GOL has continued to serve the community throughout the pandemic meant the world to clients like Gift of Life survivor Jose Hernandez.
“Thanks to Gift of Life, my life has been saved,” Hernandez shared. “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 annual Champagne & Ribs events are a primary fundraiser for the Gift of Life, funds that “sustain lifesaving services for underserved men and women,” according to GOL President Linda Domino, who offered gratitude to regional businesses and individuals that give to ensure lives are saved.
“Donors are encouraged to continue their support and help make available more preventative screenings for medically underserved men throughout the year,” said Gift of Life Executive Director Norma Sampson. “Ours is the only program of its kind in the region with all contributions remaining local, directly improving the health and wellbeing of Southeast Texans.”
Donations to Gift of Life’s wellness initiatives may be made in-person or by mail at 2390 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706 or online at giftoflifebmt.org/donate. For more information about Gift of Life, call (409) 833-3663 or visit giftoflifebmt.org.