NEW ORLEANS – The American Cancer Society (ACS) announced its 25th annual Cure By Design Gala presented by Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center, themed “Jardin de la Vie” (Garden of Life), a celebration of hope and progress in the fight against cancer. This year’s gala will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Mardi Gras World in New Orleans.
Organizers say the event aims to surpass last year’s impressive $800,000 raised, with an ambitious fundraising goal of $850,000 for 2025 with funds raised benefiting the American Cancer Society Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge on River Road. Hope Lodge provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers when receiving treatment in the area. Funds raised will also support life-saving local patient programs and services including transportation assistance to appointments for patients.
The 25th American Cancer Society Cure By Design Gala is being expertly co-chaired by Rena Jolly, Emily Kupperman, and Taryn Brown, with esteemed restauranter and 2024 Cure Champion of the Year Larry Morrow serving as Honorary Chair. Their dedication and leadership will be instrumental in making this year’s event a resounding success.
“This milestone year marks more than just longevity; it celebrates a quarter-century of impact, unity, and unwavering hope, further solidifying its position as one of New Orleans premier philanthropic events,” said co-chair Rena Jolly. “Each year, this sold-out evening brings together our city’s most passionate leaders and changemakers in support of the American Cancer Society.”
A special highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Heart & Soul Award to Morris Bart, for his significant contributions and unwavering commitment to the community.
The gala is made possible through the generous support of presenting sponsor Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center, along with other dedicated local sponsors, including the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation.
“Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center is honored to be the presenting sponsor of the American Cancer Society’s Cure by Design Gala,” said Zoe Larned, MD, medical director, Ochsner MD Anderson. “Our longstanding partnership represents a shared commitment to not only treat cancer but to also develop and support patient programs that remove barriers to treatment. Ochsner MD Anderson is proud to participate in ACS’s transportation assistance program which provides reliable and safe travel options to and from appointments for those in need. Together, we are making great strides in research that can prevent and cure cancer, while providing hope to patients and families and advancing the science that will one day lead to a world without this disease.”
In addition to corporate sponsors, organizers say the event would not be the success it has been year after year without the impactful fundraising efforts of 20 philanthropic Cure Champion honorees, most notably including New Orleans Saints defensive end Cam Jordan. The full list of Cure Champion honorees can be found below.
Tables and additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, please visit nolacurebydesign.acsgala.org or contact Andrea Lockwood at Andrea.Lockwood@cancer.org for more details.