What a beautiful night at our NOLA Proudly Pro-Life Gala on Friday January 16th!

THANK YOU to our 1,500+ friends who joined us to LOVE THEM BOTH and supported the pro-life mission of Louisiana Right to Life. There was an electric energy at the halls and ballrooms of the Hilton New Orleans Riverside was filled to the brim.

Ben Clapper Recognizing Archbishop Gregory Aymond for His Leadership

Following Archbishop Gregory Aymond’s opening prayer, we paid tribute to retiring Archbishop Gregory Aymond for his leadership for life. Archbishop Aymond has been a steadfast leader and voice of truth in our community for many years.

Mr. Kenny Wood Sr, CEO and Founder of K&B Enterprises, the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Gala, welcomed the audience and thanked them for attending and supporting the Gala. Mary Beth Mettz and Stacy Pellerin, Gala Co-Chairs, also welcomed the audience.

Sharon Rodi and Ben Clapper with Celie Clark as she receives the Proudly Pro-Life Award

Every year, we present one individual or organization who has made a tremendous impact for life our Robert E. Winn Proudly Pro-Life Award.  In 2026, Celie Clark, long-time pro-life volunteer and leader, received our award.  Celie inspired us with her life-long example of serving the pro-life movement ever since her father challenged her on Jan. 22 1973 to speak for life.

Fr. Mike Schmitz

Fr. Mike Schmitz, the widely popular host of the “Bible In a Year” in only the way that Fr. Mike can, motivated us to remember it only takes ONE LIFE to change the world.  Fr. Mike shared how the sacrificial decisions of his grandmother inspired his pro-life advocacy and led to the saving of a young man who has graduated from his campus ministry.

Elected officials that attended included U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, Secretary of State Nancy Landry, Reps. Stephanie Berault, Polly Thomas, Jay Galle, Mark Wright, John Illg, and Kim Carver.  Louisiana’s new Surgeon General Dr.Evelyn Griffin also was in attendance.

Ben Clapper Holding the Brick from the Shreveport Abortion Facility

By holding a brick from the closed abortion facility in Shreveport, our Director, Ben Clapper, reminded us that ANY assault against human life can be OVERCOME with God’s help and the dedication of pro-life citizens.

Over 20 pro-life high schools students brought the Gala to an end in compelling fashion when they sang “God Bless America” and “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

Emily Louise Entertainment led a lively after-party that had dozens of guests dancing up a storm!

THANK YOU to our amazing donors who enable Louisiana Right to Life to save lives, help moms, and keep Louisiana the most pro-life state in America!