This year I’m chairing the American Cancer Society’s Black and White gala – the first ever black and white ball around these parts. As we finalize everything from floor plans to auction items (and I search for something a bit more sophisticated than a tarp for a 32 week pregnant woman), thought I’d share a “Message from the Chair” I wrote for the event’s website. I feel like every time I turn around someone else is facing a cancer diagnosis and while one gala isn’t going to stop the monster – every single dollar we raise is one step closer to finding a cure and helping those who have cancer fight it each day. (Go online now and grab your ticket. It’s a night you won’t want to miss!)
A Message from the Chair
Cancer is black and white. It doesn’t discriminate. And above all it is extraordinarily unfair. These are things most of us know intellectually and many of us learn, unfortunately, practically. It’s something I learned two years ago while working on the American Cancer Society Gala.
When I was first asked to be a part of the gala committee I agreed because I know the American Cancer Society does great work and I knew it was the right thing to do. I could have never known that as the gala neared that first year, my own family would for the first time hear those fateful words – “it’s cancer.”
At the time my grandmother wasn’t a spring chicken, but cancer took her so quickly and carelessly that I finally understood in a real way how the families of the more than 1.5 million people in this country who hear those words each year felt. Robbed. Within weeks of her diagnosis I realized that my Grandma Wanda would most certainly miss seeing my future children, attending my sister’s wedding and so many incredible moments of which I had been sure she would be a part. She celebrated one last beautiful birthday shortly before the cancer took her and what we wouldn’t have given for her to enjoy just one more slice of cake.
It was during the time that the American Cancer Society’s mission connected to me in a real way and there’s been no looking back. And so, it is with Wanda Williams in mind that I agreed to chair this 2011 Gala and with that passion we sought to create a gala that would both honor those we have lost to cancer, laud those fighting today and provide the chance for a truly glamorous evening aimed at creating more birthdays.
What has resulted is the first ever Black and White Gala – an evening packed with meaning and full of people who care passionately about fighting cancer. And doing it all fabulously.
The gala, which is slated for the beautifully renovated Acadiana Center for the Arts, promises to be a departure from anything Lafayette has seen in the world of formal events. A combination of sophistication and compassion from the committee members to the honorary chairs (Dr. Ammarr Morad and Gail Savoie) has created a signature event that is as glamorous as it gets with a hearty dose of fun.
Silent and live auctions are packed with items for every taste from the practical to the luxurious (check out our facebook page for updates on every last item you’ll have a chance to snag). And we’ve banished the boring buffet with a bevy of local restaurants bringing out delectable signature dishes. In short, this isn’t your mom’s fundraiser.
So bring out your fabulous black and white wares August 12 for a night you’re sure not to forget with the knowledge that a night of glamour can and will mean a world with more birthdays.
