Guests of the Falls Cancer Club’s Mardi Gras Dinner enjoyed an evening of jambalaya and Cajun music on Friday at First Christian Church in Cuyahoga Falls.
About 100 guests donned their green, gold and purple and dined on gumbo-style chicken Creole, red beans and rice, as well as king cake.
Committee members included Lori Liska, Sue Tarr, Dot Sessions, Barb Howard, Denise Carper and Molly Costigan.
“My mom passed away from cancer when she was 40, so cancer has touched my family,” said Pat Shula, president of the Falls Cancer Club.
“The Mardi Gras Dinner is a family-friendly gala that gives donors a chance to relax over great food while helping the patients of the Falls Cancer Club,” said Chairwoman Bonnie Severt. “We’re currently assisting 55 cancer patients ranging in age from 3 to 88 with more than $3,900 in payments each month. Profits from the Mardi Gras Dinner are used to defray costs and allow patients peace of mind so they can concentrate on their health instead of worrying how, or if, they are able to pay their medical expenses.”
Loretta Arconti joined the group when her late husband was a patient. Barb Pryor joined in the 1970s. Jesse Kleinen came with his mom, Lauri Robinson. Glen and Nancy Sawyers and their friend Cindy Datko attended for the good food and the camaraderie. George and Sue Goodyear wore their green colors as well as purple beads.
Theresa Ward has been a part of the group for 23 years. This year, her granddaughter, Kelly Ward, a freshman at Cuyahoga Falls High School, and her friend, Veronica Steigerwald, volunteered to help with the event.
Barb Howard was the “King Cake Girl,” serving up slices of the New Orleans treat.
“It is always a pleasure to help the Cancer Club,” said Sigrid Kramer.