The Zachary/Baker Chapter of American Cancer Society celebrated their 4th Annual Mardi Gras Gala and Silent Auction on Feb. 2 at the Capital Center Hilton in Downtown Baton Rouge. This event was a huge success.

What started four years ago as the idea to have a Mardi Gras “party” to raise money for cancer research, has gone from 75 people in attendance, raising $2,500 to more than 350 people in attendance, raising over $25,000 this year.

“This year we feel as though we have more than done our part," said Board Chair, Renee Beadle. “This has all happened in four short years, and now that we have a great following and a great venue, I feel that we can only make it better in years to come. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us. This to me is just a personal challenge to strive to raise more money for American Cancer Society, give back to the community as well as, just another way to show our support in the fight against cancer.”

The 2013 American Cancer Society King is Tom Ed McHugh. McHugh was diagnosed with prostate cancer in Nov. 2011 and had Robotic surgery in Jan. 2012, with a great outcome.

He will follow up with his checkup in a couple of weeks. McHugh is a lifelong resident of Zachary and a legacy to the community. He was also the Mayor for the City of Baton Rouge for 12 years.

After serving three terms as mayor, McHugh took the position of Executive Director of the Louisiana Municipal Association and has been there for the past 12 years. McHugh has been married to his beautiful high school sweetheart for 47 years. He has three children and seven grandchildren.

He enjoys traveling, hunting, sports, reading and working in the yard.

The Queen for 2013 is Danya Doiron Delapasse. Danya’s husband, Dustin, was diagnosed with colon cancer in Feb. 2011 and had his first surgery in July 2011 with treatments in between and a second surgery in September followed by chemo.

After a long, heroic struggle with cancer, he passed away in Sept. 2012.

Delapasse has been a life-long resident of Zachary, and she is also a business owner. She's a real estate agent with Remax First and is the owner of Bennett House Banquet Facility. Delapasse has four kids and is very involved in the community.

She enjoys being with her family and friends, playing softball and working out.

Thanks again, to our sponsors: Lane Regional Medical Center - Honor Sponsor for the Mardi Gras Gala and Platinum Sponsor for Relay For Life; Modern Home Health - Royal Sponsor for the Mardi Gras Gala and Luminaria Sponsor for Relay For Life; The Freeman Family - Royal Sponsor for the Mardi Gras Gala and Luminaria Sponsor for Relay For Life; and Myles Law Firm - Masquerade Sponsor for the Mardi Gras Gala and Bronze Sponsor for Relay For Life. Thanks so much for your continued support in helping us fight the battle against cancer.

With Relay For Life right around the corner on Friday, April 19, we need the continued support of the community to meet our challenging goal of $65,000!

If you are interested in being a Relay For Life sponsor, please contact Renee Beadle at 413-7282 or e-mail rtruaxbr@aol.com. Mark your calendars for April 19, and come out to support the local chapter of American Cancer Society at the annual Relay For Life at BREC's Zachary Community Park.