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The 13th annual Julie Richardson Procter 5K Ribbon Run Monster Dash held in downtown Beaumont on Oct. 28 was heralded as “a spooktacular success,” thanks to the tireless efforts of many supporters appreciated by the Gift of Life nonprofit hosting the affair. With nearly 2,500 participants, the event provided the region with “an empowering, inspiring, and uplifting experience,” while raising vital funds for Gift of Life’s breast and ovarian cancer initiatives.
Underwritten by Presenting Sponsors Robin Dauphin, Optimus Steel, Provost Umphrey Law Firm and Quality Mat Company, and Title Sponsors H-E-B and Jason’s Deli, the festivities included a Celebration of Hope Ceremony with America’s Got Talent! semifinalist and star vocalist Christina Wells, a 5K Trick or Treat Route, costume contest, and many more activities to fill out a morning of fun fighting cancer.
“We are grateful to everyone who assisted with this magnificent and meaningful event that brought hope and joy to so many individuals impacted by cancer,” said Gift of Life Founder and Chair Regina Rogers. “It was heartwarming to witness thousands of Southeast Texas unite as a family filled with compassion, understanding and love. Gift of Life is honored by the community’s support that advances the organization’s commitment to save lives in Southeast Texas.”
The occasion also provided an opportunity for Gift of Life to applaud five 2023 Angels Among Us Honorees, who are named “exceptional women commended for their outstanding community service in Southeast Texas:” Gina Crenshaw, owner of For Heaven’s Sake; Gerri Giglio, director of Todd Christopher Legacy of Love Foundation; Claire Broussard Jackson, Motiva Manager of Social Responsibility and Community Affairs; Vernice Monroe, president of Mental Health America of Southeast Texas; and Cathy Zummo, community advocate.
A touching tribute was made to “Heavenly” Angel Among Us Allison Nathan Getz, the late Jefferson County Tax Assessor-Collector, who passed away after a long and brave battle with brain cancer.
“Allison created an extraordinary legacy of love and hope, with a warrior determination to make our community a better place for everyone,” said Gift of Life Executive Director Norma Sampson. “Her loved ones lost an integral and devoted family member, and our community lost a remarkable leader. We believe Allison still is with us today, inspiring and encouraging us to continue our battle against cancer.”
The event concluded with the Georgie Volz “Shine a Light” Award, given to Dr. Beverly Parker, a former government professor and distinguished Lamar State College Port Arthur Liberal Arts Department Chair, for her devoted support of Gift of Life since its inception. An ovarian cancer survivor, Parker has lent her voice countless times to echo Gift of Life’s cause to bring awareness to this disease in hopes of saving lives through early detection.
The Ribbon Run, named for Procter, is undertaken in memory of a beloved Gift of Life board member and local attorney who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2011 at the young age of 51. Funds raised from the Ribbon Run benefit Gift of Life’s Women’s Health Program, which has heightened awareness and provided information to thousands of Southeast Texans about ovarian and breast cancer. In addition, the program’s free medical services offered through its collaborative healthcare partnerships have helped extend the lives of nearly 300 women (throughout seven Southeast Texas counties), who were diagnosed with breast cancer and navigated through treatment and healing.
Special appreciation was sent out to the Young Men’s Business League (YMBL) for adopting the Ribbon Run as the group’s community project, along with Gift of Life’s October Pink & Teal Ribbon Campaign that installs 8-ft awareness ribbons throughout the region.
“These extraordinary volunteers are integral in the orchestration of the Ribbon Run and annually contribute to the organization’s health care programs,” Sampson explained.
For more information about Gift of Life or to inquire about its free services, contact the organiza- tion at (409) 833-3663 or visit giftoflifebmt.org.