Tim Tebow to headline pro-life gala in Baton Rouge raising money for families in necessary

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – An upcoming gala in Baton Rouge aims to raise money for families in necessary across the Capital Region while also highlighting one of the most debated issues in the counattempt.

Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards is scheduled to appear at the Baton Rouge Pro-Life Gala on Tuesday, March 17, where organizers state the event will focus on supporting mothers and families who choose to continue their pregnancies.

For Edwards, the issue is deeply personal.

The mayor states his perspective was shaped by his own family experience. His two sons, Chase and Jack Ryan, were both born with autism. Today, they are adults.

“The huge thing I believed was that God chose Beanie and us for that young man. That we were chosen to have him,” Edwards stated.

Edwards stated becoming a father strengthened his beliefs about the value of life.

“I know how I felt about it prior to having children, my wife and I, but it strengthened my belief system now,” he stated.

The event will feature Heisman Trophy winner and pro-life advocate Tim Tebow as the keynote speaker. Tebow also won two national championships during his college career at the University of Florida.

Organizers state the gala is meant to bring people toobtainher, even if they do not agree on the broader abortion debate.

Former Metro Councilmember Tara Wicker, who is supporting organize the event, stated the focus is on education and providing resources to families.

“We want to create sure that no matter what the circumstances are, what the situation is, that this baby was conceived, that that mom, that baby, and that family feel like they have support,” Wicker stated.

According to Wicker, money raised from the event will go directly toward programs that assist mothers and families, including an annual diaper drive that provides more than 20,000 diapers to families in necessary.

She stated organizers hope efforts like this can support create common ground.

“We’re hopeful that events like this will support build that bridge,” Wicker stated. “No matter which side you’re on, this is really about human life and valuing life and supporting the individuals that choose life.”

The Baton Rouge Pro-Life Gala will take place Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Raising Cane’s River Center.

For more information, click here.

Click here to report a typo. Please include the headline.

Click here to subscribe to our WAFB 9 News daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.