Nearly 800 in Attendance for Lourdes Mardi Gras Revelry

Nearly 800 Lourdes supporters turned out to celebrate Fat Tuesday at the 10th annual Mardi Gras & All That Jazz! fund-raiser held at Harrah’s Metropolis Hotel, raising $54,000 in net proceeds to benefit the Lourdes Foundation.  Funds raised at Mardi Gras & All That Jazz are used to support programs and services, provide facility upgrades and purchase state-of-the-art technology for Lourdes Hospital.  

“Mardi Gras & All That Jazz! has raised over $500,000 in net proceeds for Lourdes Foundation since it began in 2003, and this wouldn’t be possible without the support of our generous friends in the community,” said Jim Garrett, chair of Lourdes Foundation’s board of directors.  

Dr. Wally and Gerry Montgomery were crowned Mardi Gras king and queen, honored for their long time support and service to Lourdes.  Dr. Wally Montgomery practiced at Lourdes, served in medical staff leadership roles and was instrumental in helping Lourdes secure permission from the state to begin its open heart surgery program.  Dr. Montgomery is currently the vice-chair of the Lourdes Foundation board.  Gerry Montgomery is the new chairperson of the Mercy Health Partners-Kentucky regional board.

“Lourdes Foundation is a wonderful charity to support.  I feel Lourdes Hospital has really been a blessing to this whole community,” said Dr. Montgomery.  The Montgomerys also recently made a significant gift to name Lourdes’ new Cardiac Hybrid Operating Room in their honor.  

A live auction of Bill Ford’s original Mardi Gras artwork, created especially for the Lourdes event, also raised an extra $3,200 in proceeds.  Guests enjoyed food and beverages from a variety of local restaurants, wineries and vendors while Lew Jetton and 61 South entertained the crowd with classic blues and Southern rock music.  

For more information about Lourdes Foundation, call (270)444-2353 or visit www.eLourdes.com/foundation.asp.