Spooktacular Julie Richardson Procter 5K Ribbon Run Monster Dash a success
Published 5:04 pm Friday, November 1, 2024
2024 Angels Among Us Honorees: Carrie Martin, Dorrie Adolph, Carol Hearn, Tara Holder, FNP, and Officer Haley Morrow with Event Chairs: Claire Jackson, Mary Ann Reid, Katie Celli, Jametrice Whitmore, Deborah Drago, and Sadé Chick. (Courtesy photo)
Ribbon Run Presenting & Title Sponsors: Robin Dauphin, Optimus Steel Human Resources Director Chris Henson, Optimus Steel Chief Operating Officer Guillermo De La Monja, Provost Umphrey Firm Administrator Candace Schaub, Quality Mat Company Administrative Manager Scott Doss, Jason's Deli Managing Partner Gene Leal, H-E-B Assistant Store Leader Max Walker, H-E-B Unit Director Natasha Coleman, and H-E-B Buddy (Community Coordinator Sherri Toutcheque). (Courtesy photo)
Gift of Life Executive Director Norma Sampson, Gift of Life Board President Linda Domino, Gift of Life Board Treasurer and 2024 Julie Rogers "Spirit of Love" Award Winner Dora Nisby, Gift of Life Founder & Chair Regina Rogers, and Gift of Life Executive Officer Charlotte Mains. (Courtesy photo)
5K Ribbon Run Winners: Grant Averill (2nd Place), Chase Peacock (1st Place), and Kamron Livingston (3rd Place). (Courtesy photo)
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BEAUMONT — The 14th Annual Julie Richardson Procter 5K Ribbon Run Monster Dash was a spooktacular success thanks to the tireless efforts of countless supporters. With nearly 3,000 participants, the event provided the region with an empowering, inspiring, and uplifting experience, while raising vital funds for Gift of Life’s breast and ovarian cancer initiatives.
Generously underwritten by Presenting Sponsors Robin Dauphin, Optimus Steel, Provost Umphrey Law Firm and Quality Mat Company and Title Sponsors H-E-B and Jason’s Deli, the festivities included a Wizard of Oz-themed Celebration of Hope Ceremony with a performance by the Theatre Under the Stars Youth Company, 5K Trick or Treat Route, Kiddie Zone, and many more exciting activities.
Gift of Life Executive Director Norma Sampson said, “The event’s outstanding outcomes also were made possible by 2024 Ribbon Run “Super Event Chairs!” – 6 Phenomenal Women in Industry – Katie Celli, ISTC Director of Client & Community Relations, GTBR Executive Director, and SETX Women in Industry Executive Director; Sadé Chick, Port of Beaumont Director of Corporate Affairs; Deborah Drago, Entergy Texas Industrial Account Executive; Claire Jackson, Motiva Social Responsibility & Community Affairs Manager; Mary Ann Reid, Golden Pass LNG Community Affairs Advisor; and Jametrice Whitmore, ExxonMobil Beaumont Area Public & Government Affairs Advisor, who combined the “synergy of industry” to generate excitement and awareness!”
“We are grateful to everyone who assisted with this magnificent and meaningful event that brought hope and joy to so many individuals impacted by cancer and treasured memories of those who have succumbed to the disease,” said Gift of Life Founder and Chair Regina Rogers. “It is heartwarming to witness thousands of Southeast Texas unite as a family filled with compassion, understanding and love. Gift of Life is honored by the community’s support that advances the organization’s commitment to extend and save lives.”
Prior to the 5K, a Celebration of Hope Ceremony provided an opportunity for Gift of Life to applaud six 2024 Angels Among Us Honorees, exceptional women commended for their outstanding community service in Southeast Texas: Dorrie Adolph, First Lady of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church; Carol Hearn, Community Advocate and volunteer; Tara Holder, FNP, Beaumont Internal Medicine & Geriatric Associates Nurse Practitioner and Home Instead Owner, Carrie Martin, Community Advocate and volunteer; Cris McLeod, Lutcher Theater Director of Operations; and Haley Morrow, Beaumont Police Department Public Information Officer.
The poignant celebration included the surprise presentation of the Julie Rogers “Spirit of Love” Award to Gift of Life Board Member and Treasurer Dora Nisby, 93-year-old legendary activist, consummate volunteer, and widow of civil rights leader, the late Cleveland Nisby. Dora has been a champion of many civic causes, but remains deeply dedicated to fighting cancer by bringing awareness to local resources that bridge the disparities which uniquely impact men and women across our region. Since Gift of Life’s inception, she has selflessly devoted herself to the organization’s mission and made tremendous contributions to its ability to improve the lives of people in need.
“I do not know the words to adequately express my feelings upon receiving this recognition,” Nisby shared. “What an impression you have engraved in my heart! I shall forever cherish this award. Thank you, and may God continue to bless Gift of Life.”
Gift of Life’s Ribbon Run is named for Julie Richardson Procter, a beloved board member and local attorney who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2011 at the young age of 51. Proceeds from the Ribbon Run advance Gift of Life’s women’s health program that provides critical ovarian and breast cancer educational information and screenings for thousands of Southeast Texans.
“This event benefits such an important cause because so many women in our community depend on these services,” said Gift of Life Medical Director Gwendolyn Lavalais, MD. “Already this year, Gift of Life has helped detect cancer in 19 women who are being navigated through care.”
Special appreciation to the Young Men’s Business League (YMBL) for adopting the Ribbon Run as the group’s community project along with Gift of Life’s Pink & Teal Ribbon Campaign. These extraordinary, hardworking volunteers play an integral role in the orchestration of the Ribbon Run and other breast cancer awareness initiatives throughout the month of October.
For more information about Gift of Life or to find out if you qualify for its free services, please contact the organization at 409-833-3663 or visit giftoflifebmt.org.
