SU Ag Center, Ilera Holistic Healthcare, and the SU System Foundation to host a benefit honoring Gov. Kathleen Blanco, Sen. Fred Mills, and Rep. Ted James
In commemoration of the Louisiana Medical Marijuana program’s fifth anniversary, the Southern University Ag Center, Ilera Holistic Healthcare, and the Southern University System Foundation have partnered to host a charity benefit honoring former Governor Kathleen Blanco, Senator Fred Mills, and Representative Ted James. The event will be held from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. on October 5, 2023, at The Old Governor's Mansion.
Funds raised from the benefit will be used to establish a Foundation to offer financial assistance to Louisiana’s patients facing financial barriers to accessing the medical marijuana program.
Louisiana’s Medical Marijuana program has stood proudly for five years, navigating through a path of both challenges and triumphs. During this time, medical marijuana has positively impacted over 70,000 patients and their families, providing relief in areas such as chronic pain, anxiety, cancer, and more.
“The Southern University Ag Center continues to position itself at the forefront of innovation. From the first HBCU to occupy a space for medical cannabis research to the exceeding of our product goals, we are ecstatic to celebrate five purposeful years of this work,” said Dr. Orlando F. McMeans, Chancellor-Dean of the Southern University Ag Center and the College of Ag. “We are even more excited about what the future holds as it relates to transforming the quality of life for chronically ill patients,” he added.
Governor Blanco, Senator Mills, and Representative James all played pivotal roles in advancing medical marijuana legislation.
“My involvement with the Medical Marijuana program is one of my highest honors as a legislator,” expressed Rep. Ted James. “We have directly changed lives for our neighbors. As a graduate of Southern University, it was important to me that my alma mater play an important part in saving lives…and we have. I’m proud to have played a part,” added James.
There will be a silent auction, live musical entertainment, food, and drinks, providing attendees an opportunity to show their support for the Foundation. Tickets are priced at $250 per person, but any donation will be accepted at the door. Guests are encouraged to wear pink or black cocktail attire.
For additional information or to view additional donation opportunities, visit https://foundation.sus.edu/the-blanco-foundation-benefit/.