NEW ORLEANS – The American Cancer Society honored four local marketing professionals with its inaugural Heart and Soul Award for their volunteer service with the annual Belles and Beaus Ball, which celebrates members of the community who fight back against cancer.
Recipients of the Heart and Soul Award were Reid Stone, founder and CEO of local public relations and marketing firm HEROfarm, Shaun Walker, co-founder and creative director, and Jason Taix, art director. Also honored was Mary Petikas, marketing director at Gifted Healthcare. The team at HEROfarm developed branding for the Belles and Beaus Ball, which is in its 16th year, and the firm has provided marketing strategy and design services for the last five years to help raise awareness and increase funds raised through the distinguished event.
Petikas has volunteered as the event’s public relations chair for the past nine years, overseeing media outreach and public relations for the ball.
“These individuals are the true definition of selfless, relentless and hard-working volunteers who inspire us each time we are with them,” said Kate Kelley, strategic director of distinguished events for the American Cancer Society’s mid-south division. Kelley presented the awards at the Belles and Beaus Announcement Party held Thursday, July 21, 2016, at The Shops at Canal Place.
The American Cancer Society’s Belles and Beaus Ball will take place Friday, September 23, at Mardi Gras World, and will be hosted by WVUE-TV Fox 8 anchor Nancy Parker and her husband Glen Boyd, public information officer for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
This year’s theme is “A Salute to Survivors” and will honor 10 women and 10 men in the New Orleans community who are involved in the fight against cancer either as survivors, medical providers, care givers or advocates.
