Breast Intentions 'Mardi Gras Madness' Event Helps Cancer Patients

The magical spirit of New Orleans will fill the Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet when Breast Intentions of Illinois holds its fifth annual “Mardi Gras Madness” fundraiser on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017.

This “decadence-filled” event will be from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the magnificent Jacob Henry Mansion ballroom, 15 S. Richards St. in Joliet.

Tickets are $30 per person in advance or $35 at the door. Casual attire is requested. Tables of 10 are also available for $300. Tickets are available online at www.breastintentionsofillinois.weebly.com

Mardi Gras Madness uniquely supports breast cancer patients by raising money to help pay daily living expenses like medical bills and utility payments.

The evening will include a long list of fun New Orleans-style entertainment led by the renowned Chicago-area jazz vocal group Nova Soul.

New this year, Mardi Gras Madness will also feature a tarot card reader, palm reader, psychic and roaming magician. There will also be a photo cube and a long list of raffle and silent auction prizes including:

• One week in a Scottsdale, Arizona condo
• Joliet Slammers Luxury Suite for one game in 2017
• Two Blake Shelton tickets
• Two Chicago Blackhawks tickets
• New Orleans Jazz & Dining – two tickets including skip-the-line status to Preservation Hall (includes: Jazz brunch or three-course dinner with wine pairing for two at Commanders Palace Restaurant, three-night stay and round-trip airfare for two)
• $100 gift certificate for Ravinia with picnic backpack
• Shotski
• Gift Cards Galore
• Sports Memorabilia
• Raffle Baskets
• "Split the Pot” raffles

“We have really worked hard this year to create a very special evening to raise as much money as possible to support breast cancer patients and their families,” said Breast Intentions of Illinois founder Lou Ann Peck.

“Many wonderful organizations are working to find a cure for breast cancer tomorrow. Our goal is to help families live the best life they can today,” Peck said.

“What better way to mark our fifth anniversary than to continue helping make life a little easier for breast cancer patients?”

Please mail checks for advance tickets must be received by February 22, 2017. Send checks to Breast Intentions of Illinois, 1147 Brook Forest Ave. #150, Shorewood, IL 60404. Please contact Peck for sponsorship opportunities at louann@breastinentions.org.

Breast Intentions formed 10 years ago in New Jersey when then-15-year-old cousins Erika Rech and Mike Ruane saw the devastating effects breast cancer can have after three family members were diagnosed with breast cancer.

Peck, who is an executive assistant at Midland States Bank in Joliet read about Rech and Ruane in a 2010 magazine article. She was so moved and inspired that she decided to form Breast Intentions of Illinois later that year.

Since its inception, Breast Intentions of Illinois has raised and donated nearly $100,000 to help 65 breast cancer patients with rent, utility bills, medical and cosmetic needs, groceries, car payments, gas cards and insurance.

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