FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dave and Grace Cashion will reign as Mardi Gras king and queen in Arcadia
ARCADIA (Feb. 15, 2011) – Get your beads and boas ready. It’s Mardi Gras time again!
The 16th annual Methodist Hospital Mardi Gras celebration will be held Tuesday, March 8 at Sirona’s, Santa Anita Park. Proceeds from this event will benefit emergency services at Methodist Hospital.
Reigning as this year’s king and queen over the Fat Tuesday festivities will be long-time Methodist Hospital supporters Dave and Grace Cashion. “The Cashions were a natural choice as this year’s honorees,” said Mike Driebe, Methodist Hospital Foundation president. “Their dedication and years of support for the hospital made them the perfect selection as king and queen.” Arcadia residents for more than 37 years, the Cashions have given both their time and resources to support the hospital. “All three of our children were born at Methodist Hospital,” Grace said. “It is our community hospital, and we feel it is very important to support the work being done there.” Dave added, “It is critical that community members step forward to support Methodist Hospital because it is a not-for-profit hospital.” And the Cashions have done just that. Grace has served as a member of the Mardi Gras planning committee since 2005.
“I was honored to be asked to help raise funds for the hospital by serving on the committee, and I’m very pleased with the growth of the event,” she said. “Mardi Gras has increased in the number of guests as well as the revenue generated for important hospital programs.”
Dave has served on the Foundation Board of Directors since 2004 and is co-chair of the Planned Giving Committee. He has also served on the Executive Strategic Planning Committee and now serves on the Emergency Council.
Each year Mardi Gras proceeds support different hospital programs. This year, the event will honor Dave’s commitment to the emergency department, with proceeds going to support the hospital’s emergency services.
“I’m honored that the foundation would choose to support my efforts toward the hospital’s emergency department,” Dave said. “It is important that we do our part in supporting the important work being performed at the hospital.” The emergency department provides critical care to San Gabriel Valley residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Dave and Grace feel honored to serve as this year’s king and queen. “It will be a different kind of experience than in previous years,” said Grace. “I’m used to being behind the scenes, helping to make everything come together. We are humbled and honored to be asked to represent the hospital in this way.”
Following on the heels of a successful 2010 Mardi Gras, this year’s event promises to be just as exciting. Event Co-Chairs Jan McEachern and Cheryl Wolf, along with their committee of 30 volunteers, are working to ensure this year’s festivities exceed expectations. More than 500 guests celebrated at last year’s event, which raised more than $65,000 to support nursing scholarships.
Mark your calendars for March 8 and plan to be part of the fun! For more information, contact Gloria Rico at 626-821-2340 or mardigras@methodisthospital.org.