The 9th Annual Lupus Mardi Gras Gala has raised $73,000 for the Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter (LFANC). More than 270 people attended the Feb. 21 event that has generated $511,000 for the LFANC over the past nine years.

“We had great time bringing the golden traditions of New Orleans to Charlotte in celebration of Mardi Gras while raising awareness and funds for lupus,” said Christine John-Fuller, President & CEO of the LFANC. “We appreciate everyone involved for making this year’s Gala ‘one of our best ever.’ Funds raised will support research, programs and services for the 45,000 individuals living with lupus in North Carolina.”

Presented by the Dickerson Family Trust, the event was held at CenterStage@NoDa and featured entertainment by Hot Sauce, Creole cuisine, a silent auction, casino games, photo booth and fortune teller. Guests were also treated to a Mardi Gras Masquerade Contest and luxury raffle.

A highlight of the evening was the crowning of The Royal Family – The Ward Family of Rocky Mount, N.C. Jackie Ward and her son Jeremy Ward, standing in for his brother Travis, were crowned the 2015 Gala Queen & King. Mrs. Ward is a lupus thriver and the wife of former Regional Materials Recovery, Inc. (RMR) president Ted Ward. Jeremy Ward is the warehouse manager at RMR and co-organizer of the “Reaching for the Green” golf tournament – which has raised more than $218,000 in five years – to honor Mrs. Ward and benefit the LFANC.

Added John-Fuller, “It was an honor to crown The Ward Family who epitomize royalty in their philanthropic efforts and generosity in supporting our mission. They are wonderful ambassadors who are making an impact in helping solve the cruel mystery of lupus.”

Previous Gala Kings & Queens include: Travis Manchester and Patty Dunn (2014); John Hairr and Susan Rowe (2013); Drs. John and Amanda Grimes (2012); Dr. Peter Capizzi and Brenda Stubbs (2011); and Tony Kouskolekas and Maria Dunn (2010); Richard Sharpe and Zaira Hidalgo (2009).

This annual event was founded in 2007 by Dr. Ginger Dickerson, a physician with Eastover University OBGYN. Dr. Dickerson, along with her brother Todd and father Don, created the Dickerson Family Trust to support of the Lupus Foundation of America and to honor their sister, Amy Taylor who was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 20.

About Lupus:

Lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease that ravages different parts of the body. It is difficult to diagnose, hard to live with, and a challenge to treat. Lupus is a cruel mystery because it is hidden from view and undefined, has a range of symptoms, hits out of nowhere, and has no known cause and no known cure. Its health effects can range from a skin rash to a heart attack. Lupus is debilitating and destructive, and can be fatal, yet research on lupus remains underfunded relative to its scope and devastation.

About the Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter

The Lupus Foundation of America, North Carolina Chapter is part of the national force devoted to solving the cruel mystery of lupus while providing caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. We work with local health professionals and volunteers to provide information and programs to ensure people with lupus and their families get answers and health professionals know about new means to diagnose and manage the disease. The chapter serves an estimated 45,000 living with lupus in North Carolina. For more information about lupus or the LFANC, visit www.lupusnc.org or call (877) 849-8271. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.