Lourdes Foundation’s Mardi Gras

Mark your calendar for Fat Tuesday, February 20, 2007 to celebrate a New Orleans tradition at Paducah’s premiere charity event—Lourdes Foundation’s Mardi Gras & All That Jazz! With more than 800 people attending last year, this event is widely heralded as the party of the year. Raising more than $41,000 in 2006, proceeds from the upcoming event will further enhance the quality healthcare Lourdes provides to the region, especially the poor and underserved.

The region’s best party will feature the Southern rock and blues of Lew Jetton & 61 South and enough gourmet cuisine and spirits from area restaurants to fill the Mississippi Delta! This fundraiser will be held at The Executive Inn International Rooms A, B & C from 6 to 9 p.m. Satisfy your Cajun cravings with treats from popular restaurants and caterers throughout the region, and sample delicious drinks including wines and spirits, soft drinks and gourmet coffees from these fine establishments: Artisan Kitchen, Coca-Cola, Dream Big Specialty Cakes, Little Edibles, Lourdes Starbucks, Maker’s Mark, Outback Steakhouse, Ozark Pride Meats, Party Mart, The Pasta House Company, Patti’s 1880s Settlement, Pepsi, Popeye’s Chicken & Biscuits, Rafferty’s, Rivercrest at Harrah’s Metropolis Casino & Hotel, Roof Brothers Wine & Spirits, Simply Unique Catering, Whaler’s Catch, and WKCTC Culinary Arts Program

What a prince! Local artist and interior designer Bill Ford has completed the fifth anniversary edition of original artwork—annually created especially for this event—which will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Ford has been bestowed the title of Mardi Gras prince in honor of his dedication and effort to help with this event and support Lourdes Foundation.

Speaking of royalty, Jack and Vonnie Howard of Paducah have been selected as Mardi Gras King and Queen for 2007. The Howards are dedicated supporters of Lourdes, giving thousands of hours of their time as volunteers with Lourdes Auxiliary. In addition to time and talent, the Howards also give of their “treasure,” regularly donating to Lourdes Foundation to commemorate special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s and Father’s day, as well as memorial donations instead of sending flowers to the funeral home.

“Vonnie and Jack embody the spirit of giving,” said Tara Miller, executive director of Lourdes Foundation. “Not only are they financially generous toward our efforts to meet the needs of the less fortunate, they are always willing to lend a helping hand. I know I could call them at a moment’s notice and they would be available to help out, on top of the six days a week they already volunteer.”

Jack, a retired security specialist and investigator, can be found nearly any day at his post in the Emergency Department, assisting security efforts and helping out with many of the administrative needs of this busy area. Vonnie, a retired physical therapist, lends her professional skills and years of experience to Lourdes Outpatient Rehabilitation two days a week and tackles various volunteer assignments on other days. “The Howards are just great cheerleaders for Lourdes and their efforts give so much back to this community,” continues Miller.

The mission of Lourdes Foundation is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus by improving the health of our communities with emphasis on people who are poor and under-served. Lourdes Foundation assists those in need through four funds: Patient Mission Fund, providing emergency funding for patients’ basic needs such as medication or transportation; Clinical Mission Fund, to support the needs of clinical areas of Lourdes Hospital for the benefit of all patients; Employee Mission Fund, employees helping other employees with crisis situations; and an Endowment Fund to save and build for future growth of the hospital.

Generous businesses supporting the Foundation’s mission through corporate sponsorships include: Presenting sponsors – 105.5 The Cat/95.9 WGKY; A&K Construction; Boehl Stopher & Graves; Boston Scientific; H&G Construction/Swift & Staley; Jackson Purchase Energy Corp.; Lourdes Auxiliary; Paducah Bank; Pinnacle, Inc.; Popeye’s/Taco John’s; WPSD NewsChannel 6

Supporting Sponsors – Banterra Bank; Citadel Outsource Group; C-Plant Federal Credit Union; Credit Bureau Systems; Crothall Services Group; Denton & Keuler; Fresenius Medical Services; FTI Cambio Health Solutions; Harper Industries; Jim Smith Contracting Co.; Milner & Orr Funeral Homes; Morningside of Paducah; Morrison Healthcare Food Services; Occasions Unlimited; Orthopaedic Services of Paducah; Paducah Power System; Ray Black & Son; Regions Bank; Superior Care Home; US Bank; Vanguard Contractors

Tickets for Mardi Gras & All That Jazz! are $40 each or $600 for reserved tables of eight. Corporate sponsorships are available for $2,000 or $1,000, with the added benefit of reserved seating and special perks. To arrange a sponsorship or to purchase tickets, call Lourdes Foundation at (270) 444-2353.