JANS – The Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation (MSCF) celebrated 27 years of service during An All-White Affair with a Touch of Red MSCF Annual Gala on Aug. 26. The gala returned in-person at the Sparkman Auditorium at the Mississippi Agriculture Museum after a three-year hiatus due to the coronavirus.
Comedienne Rita Brent served as host during the awards program, which kicked off with a silent auction at 6 p.m. Mastermind DaBoss provided entertainment. Also on hand was LeMaudia Marie Strahan, Miss Mississippi Plus Size America 2023.
The following organizations were recognized for their unwavering commitment and financial support to the MSCF over the last two years: Maurice F. Lucas Sr. Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Stars, Shady Oaks M.B. Church, Knights of Peter Claver, Esperanza Club, Mississippi Association of Elks, Progressive Foundation of Clay County, and the organizers of the Run Sickle Cell in the Dirt Rodeo.
“Blood donations are always needed to help our warriors battle this lifelong disease,” said Jeanne Tate, MSCF Board Chairwoman. “Our annual gala is one programmatic activity that helps us raise awareness about the need and educate the general public about how Sickle Cell Disease affects our communities.”
MSCF also hosts Camp Sickle Stars – an annual camp for pediatric patients ages 6-14, the annual teen retreat for high school juniors and seniors, the annual scholarship program, and other community Sickle Cell Disease service activities throughout the year.
For more information, call (601) 366-5874 or visit https://www.mssicklecellfoundation.org.
(Advocate photo: Josh Martin)
