18th Annual Mardi Gras Gala

This year, the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern PA's (EFEPA) Mardi Gras Gala will be held at a new and exciting location, offering a fresh and vibrant setting for this beloved fundraising event! Join us at The Drexelbrook Catering & Event Center on Friday, February 21st, from 7 to 11 pm for the spectacular celebration in support of a vital cause. 

This signature black-tie fundraiser draws inspiration from the traditional New Orleans' iconic Mardi Gras celebration. Guests will be treated to an unforgettable evening featuring an open bar alongside a three-course dinner that captures the essence of Creole cuisine. Lively entertainment, including an informative program and the pulsating rhythms of a seven-piece band, ensures the festivities continue well into the night.

With a focus on both fun and philanthropy, the Mardi Gras Gala offers a dazzling opportunity to support the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern PA's mission while enjoying an elegant and festive night!

For your comfort and convenience, we have reserved a room block at a discounted rate for guests at a hotel located adjacent to the Drexelbrook Catering & Event Center. When booking, be sure to mention the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern PA room block to receive the discount!

Holiday Inn & Suites - 5400 Ferne Boulevard, Drexel Hill PA 19026

Please reserve your room by February 3rd

To reserve a room, visit tinyurl.com/EFEPAMG2025

Mary Vassallo Slinkard is an advocate and inspiring voice for the epilepsy community. At the age of 32, Mary experienced her first tonic-clonic seizure. This life-altering event became the catalyst for her unwavering commitment to epilepsy awareness and support. 

As a dedicated member of the Epilepsy Foundation's Golf Fundraiser Committee, Mary has played a vital role in raising resources for supportive programs and resources. Her drive is deeply personal, rooted in her gratitude for the medical professionals and kind strangers who supported her journey to recovery.

After a distinguished two-decade career as a commercial litigator, Mary transitioned to pursue a lifelong passion for storytelling. She combined her legal acuity and creative vision to write Her Final Gamble, her debut suspense thriller. A portion of the proceeds from Her Final Gamble will be donated to support the continuation of the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern PA's many resources, ensuring her storytelling makes an impact far beyond the page.

Benjamin Kennedy, MD is a pediatric neurosurgeon and serves as the Director of Epilepsy and Functional Neurosurgery and Co-Director of the Neuroscience Center at CHOP. He is the inaugural holder of the Devon Pytel Endowed Chair in Neurosurgery, and is on faculty at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Kennedy completed his undergraduate degree at Northwestern, then went on to earn his MD from Columbia University, where he stayed for neurosurgery residency. He completed his pediatric neurosurgery fellowship at CHOP.

Dr. Kennedy's life mission is to bring innovative surgical care to children with epilepsy from eastern Pennsylvania and beyond, to improve their quality of life and help them develop, thrive, and become their best.

Dr. Jennifer Hubbard has been a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Nemours Children's Hospital Acute and Urgent Care for the last four years. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, a Master of Science from Wilmington University, Post Masters from the University of South Alabama and she completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice at the same institution. She is a member of the American Epilepsy Society as well as the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses.  

In 2023 Jennifer was nominated for the Rising Star Advanced Professional Nurse and in 2024 the Exemplary Professional Practice.

Her dedication to the care of pediatric epilepsy patients began when her son Aiden was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 6. She has lived the struggles of many epilepsy families including the lack of accessible mental health care. She continues her mission to advocate for epilepsy patients through a quality improvement project on anxiety and depression as well as dedicating her time to being one of our most committed volunteers at Camp Achieve and representing Nemours at epilepsy walks such as Reagan's Run and the Walk to END EPILEPSY.