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Beaumont, Texas – Wednesday, April 30, 2025 – Gift of Life’s 18th Annual Champagne & Ribs fundraiser was an awe-inspiring sell-out success, raising awareness and support for the organization’s Men’s Health & Prostate Cancer Program!

Emceed by The Honorable Keith Giblin and coordinated by Event Co-Chairs: Stephane & Bernie Daleo, the Ghostbuster-themed Paranormal Party of the Year thrilled attendees with a fantastic experience complete with an appearance by the Southeast Texas Ghostbusters. Guests enjoyed a night of indulgence with decadent, all-you-can-eat five-star cuisine from Bando’s, Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas Food & Nutrition Service, Carlito’s, Courville’s Catering / Big Rich, Jason’s Deli, Rao’s Bakery, Seafood Lover and Zummo Meat Co. Premium bubbly flowed freely at the event, courtesy of Debb’s Liquor/Messina’s Liquor, Republic Services, and Giglio Distributing, paired with lively casino games, exciting live and silent auctions, and dynamic performances by Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band.

 

A highlight of the evening was the celebration of five remarkable community leaders recognized as the 2025 Ghostbuster Honorees: Jay Bruce, Mark Fertitta, Ernest Hymel, MD, PhD, The Honorable Dade Phelan, and David Willard, EdD. The “Ghostbuster Honoree Sidekicks” who helped share their stories and accolades were prostate cancer survivor Dusty Baker, Georgine Guillory, Will Jenkins, Gay-Lynne Jones, RN, and prostate cancer survivor, Brad Klein.

 

The Outta-This-World Honorary Co-Chairs: Judge Jeff Branick, James Payne, prostate cancer survivor Don Shaver, Jake Tortorice, and Bishop David Toups played a vital role in building excitement for the event and rallying support for the lifesaving funds raised to advance men’s health throughout the region. All proceeds from the event remain in Southeast Texas, directly benefiting Gift of Life’s no-cost services including prostate cancer screenings, essential primary care tests and physician consultations with navigation to follow-up care. Champagne & Ribs heightened awareness of the program’s men’s health initiatives – underscoring the importance of early detection through its powerful message: “Be a Man, Get Checked.”

 

In 2024, Gift of Life conducted men’s health events at sites in Beaumont, Kountze, Orange and Port Arthur providing more than 800 local men with critical screenings and care they might not have otherwise received.

 

“On average, adult men are less likely to seek preventive health services – including routine checkups, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings – and often delay care after symptoms appear,” said Gift of Life Medical Director Gwendolyn Lavalais, MD. “This lack of early intervention contributes to higher rates of chronic illnesses, shorter life expectancy, and more preventable deaths among men compared to women. That’s why the success of Champagne & Ribs is so important because it empowers Gift of Life to continue delivering the exceptional, lifesaving care that helps our clients live healthier, happier and, hopefully, longer lives! Together, we are making a difference!”

 

This summer Gift of Life will conduct its Men’s Health & Prostate Cancer Screenings at scheduled sites throughout Southeast Texas:

 

Lumberton: Saturday, June 7 at the Lumberton Performing Arts Center

Port Arthur: Saturday, June 21 at the Port Arthur Health Department

Orange: Saturday, June 28 at the Orange Baptist Campus – Hospital Lobby

Beaumont: Saturday, July 19 at the Baptist Cancer Network – Julie & Ben Rogers Cancer

Institute.

 

Men interested in receiving free screenings can contact Gift of Life at 409.833.3663 or visit

giftoflifebmt.org/get-a-screening.

 

For more information about Gift of Life’s programs and services, please visit giftoflifebmt.org.