(February 1, 2010, Henderson, Nev.) – St. Rose Dominican Hospitals and the St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation – along with presenting sponsor, The Tyler Foundation – will host the Annual Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday, February 13, 2010, at the M Resort.
The Mardi Gras Ball is celebrating its 53rd year making it the longest running fundraising ball in southern Nevada. This year’s proceeds benefit the Barbara Greenspun WomensCare Centers of Excellence and women’s health and breast cancer services at St. Rose Dominican Hospitals, including the R.E.D. Rose Program (Responsible, Early, Detection) which provides free breast cancer screenings, mammograms, biopsies, surgical care and living assistance for uninsured and underinsured women.
Dianne DiCiaccio, a R.E.D. Rose client, is currently being treated for breast cancer. After being laid off of her job and losing her medical insurance, Dianne found a lump in her breast. An initial biopsy indicated the fluid-filled cyst was not cancerous, but she felt something still wasn't right. “Each time my boys hugged me, it hurt,” said Dianne. Further testing revealed she had a rather rare form of breast cancer that affects only the outer layer of the cyst. “This is not a disease you ask for,” said Dianne, “but during my struggles, R.E.D. Rose is covering some of my medical care and living costs so I can go to treatment and spend time with my boys rather than having to look for work. I am happy and grateful for the support we are receiving.”
“This year’s Mardi Gras ball is recognizing several different local women whom we call ‘She-roes’ who have all either battled breast cancer or been breast cancer advocates,” said Rod Davis, president, St. Rose Dominican Hospitals. “Business, community and medical leaders attending the ball can expect an elegant, philanthropic evening brimming with colorful masks, glamorous gowns and fabulous food along with spectacular entertainment.”
The Mardi Gras ball committee – co-chaired by Toni Lee, choreographer/ production manager of Legends in Concert and Kim Moore, interior designer/owner of Pomegranate Designs, LLC – is bringing in Mosaic and Human Nature to entertain guests with special guest appearances by George Wallace, Legends in Concert and magician, Ben Seidman.
The Mardi Gras Ball will feature:
• 6:00 p.m.: Hosted cocktail reception and silent auction
• 7:30 p.m.: Dinner, interactive and live auctions
• Afterglow event
“Special guest honorees (She-roes) at this year’s ball are Diane Carlson (breast cancer survivor), Paula Francis (Channel 8’s Buddy Check advocate), and Julie Larson (from Carl’s Jr.’s Pink Star program) for their bravery, advocacy and fundraising efforts,” said Charles Guida, president, St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation. “Through the community’s sponsorship and support of the event, we can ensure that the men and women in our community receive the best in health and breast cancer services.”
Tables of 10 for the Mardi Gras Ball are $5,000, $7,500, $10,000 or $15,000. Individual tickets are also available at $500 per person. For reservations or to inquire about sponsorships or tickets, please call the St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation at 616-5762. For more information on the Mardi Gras Ball, please visit www.mardigrasball.org.
