Colossal night planned for La Soirée

Uncover the magic of Rome, Italy as the Beaumont Civic Center is transformed into “A Night at the Colosseum” during Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation’s La Soirée on Saturday, Jan. 27, at 6:30 p.m.

Dress to impress and experience a festive evening with music and entertainment that rivals that of the largest amphitheater ever built – the Colosseum, a massive stone amphitheater built to hold 50,000 spectators, which opened in A.D. 80. The structure still remains an iconic symbol of Rome.

Kim Moncla, Executive Director of Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation, said the interior of the Civic Center will look totally different than any previous La Soirée events. “Each Soirée has its own character, which makes this event unique,” she said. “We try to be very immersive with it and there will be a lot of surprises, too.”

The décor will once again be impressive as will the Italian-inspired menu created by Bando’s that includes a variety of appetizers as well as rice balls, risotto, veal chops, gelato for dessert and so much more.

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 a consistent dynamism to the soirée every year. This seven-piece attraction will keep the dance floor packed all evening.

According to Moncla, this year’s theme was inspired by Jami and Stephen Lee, who are chairing the event. “Jami and Stephen visited Rome on an Italian holiday and stayed neared the Colosseum,” said Moncla. “Their room had a view of Colosseum and they raved how beautiful and eternal the structure was.

“Stephen is a long time Foundation board member who brings a lot of energy. Jami is very creative and worked closely together with our Atmosphere Chair, Stephanie Rutledge, and Olivia Warner (Coordinator of Philanthropic Services). She selected the fabrics that will be used as decorations.”

The Lees are both graduates of Lamar University. Jami is a retired educator and Stephen is Chairman, CEO and President of First Financial Bank, NA – Southeast Texas Region. While attending Lamar, Stephen played four years for the Cardinal football program and started 33 consecutive games at center where he earned All-American status.

“Jami and I are thrilled and honored with the opportunity to chair the 2024 La Soirée Gala and are looking forward to another fantastic night on Jan. 27,” said Stephen Lee.

“We have always enjoyed La Soirée and the opportunity to support the Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation. Our Foundation is actively engaged in supporting the expansion of our health care services to the residents of Southeast Texas and proceeds from the event will be directed to help expand and improve our growing oncology services. I am so proud of the work our Baptist Hospital physicians and health care professionals are doing here and hope La Soirée provides needed resources to help them continue to expand their impact across Southeast Texas.”

Tickets start at $250 each and table sponsorships range from $2,500 to $50,000. For tickets and underwriting opportunities, call (409) 212-6113 or view bhsetfoundation.org.

Proceeds from La Soirée will benefit the Baptist Hospitals Cancer Program and help create a new 43,000-square foot facility, state-of-the-art radiation treatment center, new onsite CT scanner with advanced technology, as 12,000-square foot infusion center, which doubles the current capacity, a 14,000-square foot medical oncology and radiation oncology, and a dedicated chapel.

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

In addition, the Foundation also provides funding to meet patient needs.

“The community’s support is extremely vital and all proceeds stay local,” added Moncla. “Each project makes a huge difference in the lives of the patients and families served.”