BATON ROUGE, La. –Ten individuals from across the state will be honored at The Angel Award gala this Monday, Oct. 20, in recognition of their extraordinary efforts to improve the lives of children in our state. Hosted by the Louisiana Blue Foundation, the event will celebrate these unsung heroes whose work often goes unnoticed but has a lasting impact.
Media are invited to attend, take photos and video, and interview honorees and event organizers. A media liaison will be available on-site to assist with coverage needs.
WHAT: The Angel Award gala – honoring 10 everyday people doing extraordinary good for Louisiana’s kids
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 20; media can arrive beginning at 5 p.m. for interviews; program begins at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Lod Cook Alumni Center, 3838 W Lakeshore Dr. in Baton Rouge
WHO: Louisiana Blue Foundation and 2025 Honorees of The Angel Award:
Bonita Armour of Dry Prong, the founder and president of B22 Sports Complex, which offers mentorship, employment and life skills to youth in central Louisiana through sports and community connection.
Divine Bailey-Nicholas of Opelousas, the founder and executive director of Community Birth Companion, which provides culturally aware, evidence-based maternal health support to families in rural Louisiana.
Barry Jackson of Baton Rouge, a longtime teacher and coach at Tara High School, where he guided over 1,500 students to graduation and provided stability in a high-needs school.
Rheneisha Robertson of New Orleans, the CEO of Covenant House New Orleans, which offers shelter, support and opportunity to youth experiencing homelessness, helping them reclaim safety and hope.
Dr. Dawn Stanfield of Monroe, the program director of Academy for Collaborative Education, North Louisiana’s only school for autistic children, which offers specialized education and family support.
DeWanna Tarver of Lake Charles, the founder of DeWanna’s Closet, which ensures students and teachers in Calcasieu Parish have access to school essentials like uniforms, shoes and hygiene items throughout the school year.
Kelli Todd of Shreveport, the executive director of Volunteers for Youth Justice, which helps keep children out of the justice system and provides the tools they need to stay safe, stable and in school.
Cherry and Sherry Wilmore of Houma, the co-founders of CHeriSH Times Two, which supports foster youth with education, mentorship and resources to support housing stability and systemic change.
Blue Angel Matthew Vicknair of Baton Rouge, an analyst in Louisiana Blue’s Value Based Operations division. Vicknair volunteers and serves on the board of Front Yard Bikes, where he mentors at-risk youth and helps them build confidence and community through bikes.
Follow the Louisiana Blue Foundation on social media @LABlueFoundation to watch the livestream and see photos and videos celebrating this year’s Angel Honorees.