Cape Girardeau, Missouri - The SoutheastHEALTH Foundation will debut its First Annual Journey Gala on Saturday, January 21 at the Isle of Capri Event Center. Guests will enjoy an elaborately-themed “Night in Disguise – Venetian Masquerade,” along with a gourmet dinner, entertainment and a dance. The cocktail attire, black tie optional event begins at 6 p.m.
The gala benefits the SoutheastHEALTH Cancer Care Fund, which makes the cancer journey less stressful for those in need of urgent assistance during the course of their treatment. “We are so excited about the inaugural Journey Gala,” said SoutheastHEALTH Foundation Executive Director Patti Ranzini. “Funds raised from this wonderful event will help provide for the special needs of our friends who are battling cancer, right here, close to home. Each year the Foundation provides funding for transportation needs, lodging, nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, utility bills, rent and other unmet needs. We are committed to providing not only excellent clinical care but also compassionate support to patients and families at a crucial time.”
Jennifer Icaza-Gast and Anita Drury are serving as co-chairs for this year’s gala.
“The Southeast Cancer Center is such a special place,” said Icaza-Gast. “I am both honored and excited to help chair the first Journey Gala. To be able to raise money for this incredible center, give staff the ability to continue their excellent work and offer much-needed assistance to patients and families is a great thing. We promise you an incredible evening. Our inaugural event is just the first step in a journey that will include many more galas.”
Icaza-Gast noted that the committee already is discussing potential themes for 2018. “We can’t say what it might be, but we can say it will be astonishing.”
Funnyman Tom Green, internationally known comedian, actor, producer and cancer survivor will be the evening’s celebrity guest speaker. Green, a popular personality on MTV, has graced the cover of Rolling Stone magazine and commandeered the coveted guest-host chair on “The Late Show with David Letterman.”
Green also was diagnosed with and beat testicular cancer. He wrote, directed and starred in a one-hour MTV television special titled “The Tom Green Cancer Special,” which documented his fight. The show received wide critical acclaim for revealing a touching and sensitive side to this television personality. Taking it all in stride, Green then started the “Tom Green’s Nuts Cancer Fund” to raise money for cancer research. Ten years later, Tom Green lives with the fact that he beat cancer and beating cancer has changed his life for the better.
The evening will continue with a silent and live auction and music by “Vote 4 Pedro” and dancing. Tickets are $150 each and may be purchased by calling the SoutheastHEALTH Foundation at 573-519-4920 or online at SEhealth.org/Gala. Event sponsors will have the opportunity to attend a VIP meet and green with Tom Green immediately preceding the gala. For more information about becoming a sponsor, call the SoutheastHEALTH Foundation.
About Southeast Cancer Center
Southeast Cancer Center is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care through prevention and early detection, evidence-based therapies provided by a highly experienced multidisciplinary team of cancer experts guided by an innovative, patient-focused approach with an emphasis on life, hope and each patient’s journey. SoutheastHEALTH has been dedicated to providing state-of-the-art cancer care since 1981 and annually serves nearly 1,000 patients and their families. The center’s Cancer Registry currently follows more than 3,100 patients in its Registry.
