Sharon Boudreaux Robinson
March 3, 2009March 5
March 5, 2009
The Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center Foundation is hosting its fifth annual “A Night for Goodness’ Sake” fundraiser to give locals the chance to support the hospital’s good work.
The benefit will be held Friday from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at the Houma residence of state Rep. & Mrs. Gordon Dove, #5 Glen Oaks Drive. The evening includes food, music and a live and silent auction.
The event raised over $85,000 last year, and this year’s goal is $100,000. All the proceeds from the fundraiser go toward purchasing new medical equipment for the hospital.
“We buy items that the state does not provide,” said Mona Martin Christen, fundraiser chairperson and foundation member. “In the last four years, we have replaced equipment the hospital’s been using since 1979.”
After the benefit, the foundation evaluates medical supply requests from all of Chabert’s department heads.
“Up to this point we probably donated up to $400,000 in the last four years,” Christen said. “People are very giving in this community. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Not only does the hospital receive medical equipment from the fundraiser, but the public gains a hospital with an outstanding reputation for service.
In January, Chabert was the second medical center in the country to achieve status as a model of care by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
“A lot of medical students come here to do their internship,” Christen said. “Their coming to a hospital that has incredible doctors, and they’re able to learn with some of the best high-tech equipment by us being able to update equipment.”
Copeland’s Restaurant is catering the gala menu.
Café Dominique is providing the desserts and Edible Arrangements is donating two large fruit baskets.
Local musicians, including vocalist Dr. Lawrence Breaux, pianist Clyde Pellegrin, drummer Mark Duplantis and bass guitarist Jody Naquin, will provide the musical entertainment.
Approximately 100 items are to be auctioned. Among them are trips to destinations such as Hawaii, donated by Dr. Therryll Johnson; Destin, Fla.; and Gulf Shores, Ala.
There is also a fishing trip for four out of Cocodrie donated by Andre and Amy Boudreaux; a limo ride including eight tickets to a New Orleans Hornets game; LSU and Nicholls sports memorabilia; $1,500 in furniture donated by Kayu; a $300 Calcutta 700 B fishing reel from Academy Sports; donated items from Home Depot, Pat’s of Chauvin, Shoe Fits and many other local businesses.
Tickets for the fundraiser are $75 for singles and $150 for couples and can be purchased the night of the event.
Attire is dressy casual.
“The hospital is getting a lot of good benefits from this fundraiser,” Christen said. “Everybody wants to see the hospital continue to thrive and keep it up-to-date as much as possible. They really take an interest in Chabert Medical Center. It’s a beautiful thing. I tell my board members all the time, ‘We’re a blessed group.'”
For more information, contact Cynthia Janise at (985) 851-1755 or Mona Martin Christen at (985) 226-5042.
