Update: The Luncheon is sold out! You can still support CFL Central Texas by donating here.

We are thrilled to announce The Council for Life Central Texas Celebrating Life Luncheon!

Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Time:  11:00-11:45 AM Pre-Luncheon Reception | 12:00pm – 1:30 PM Luncheon Program

Location: Waco Convention Center, Brazos Ballroom (100 Washington Avenue, Waco, Texas 76701)

Purchase raffle tickets here.

Featured Speaker – Shawn Carney

Shawn Carney is the President & CEO of 40 Days for Life. Shawn is one of the most sought-after pro-life speakers. He is the author of four national bestselling books: The Beginning of the End of Abortion, To the Heart of the Matter, and his most recent #2 Amazon bestseller, What to Say When: The Complete New Guide to Discussing Abortion. Shawn and his wife Marilisa were portrayed in the 2019 major motion picture Unplanned, which tells the story of Abby Johnson’s conversion from Planned Parenthood director.

Honorary Chairs – Susan and Gordon Swanson

Susan and Gordon Swanson have been active members of the Waco community for over 40 years. They are supporters of many charities including Council for Life, Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest, Baylor University, MD Anderson, Live Oak Classical School, Valor Preparatory Academy, Care Net Pregnancy Center, Friends for Life, Community Cancer Association, Midway Little League, Meals on Wheels, Talitha Koum, Boy Scouts of America and Fuzzy Friends. In 2011, Susan and Gordon were recognized as Central Texas Philanthropists of the Year by the Central Texas Association of Fundraising Professionals. (Read more about the Swansons below.)

Join us to support Life!

The annual Celebrating Life Luncheon raises awareness and funds for Council for Life Central Texas’ outstanding life-affirming beneficiaries. These agencies do life-saving work related to the complex issues that surround unplanned pregnancies. They serve the most vulnerable in our community with compassionate care through Pregnancy Resource Centers, Abortion Pill Reversal, Adoption and Foster Care, Maternity Homes, Post-Abortion Support, Parenting and Life Skills Education, Youth and College Mentoring, Sexual Risk Avoidance and Targeted Media Outreach.

The Luncheon promises to be filled with inspiring stories and opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the Central Texas community.

Thank you to the outstanding individuals who are also philanthropic leaders in our community dedicated to the cause of Life:

• Carole Ellis and Berkley Knas, Luncheon Co-Chairs
• Nell Hawkins, Luncheon Underwriting Chair
• Keith Brown, CFL Central Texas Board Chair
• Jackie Johnson, CFL Central Texas Board Chair Vice
• CFL Central Texas Board Members
• CFL Advisory Board

For questions regarding the event, please email cflctxluncheon@gmail.com.

Underwriting Opportunities

Please join us through one of our underwriting opportunities described below.

$50,000 and above – Circle of Life Sponsor

• Two Patron Luncheon Tables with priority seating (two tables for 10)
• Enhanced Recognition on all printed materials
• Ten raffle tickets
• Two floral table arrangements from Luncheon

$25,000 – Diamond Sponsor

• Two Patron Luncheon Tables with priority seating (two tables for 10)
• Enhanced Recognition on all printed materials
• Eight raffle tickets
• Two floral table arrangements from Luncheon

$10,000 – Platinum Sponsor

• One Patron Luncheon Table with priority seating (table for 10).
• Recognition on all printed materials
• Six raffle tickets
• One floral table arrangement from Luncheon

$7,500 – Gold Sponsor

• One Patron Luncheon Table with priority seating (table for 10)
• Recognition on all printed materials
• Four raffle tickets
• One floral table arrangement from Luncheon

$5,000 – Silver Sponsor

• One Patron Luncheon Table with priority seating (table for 10).
• Recognition on all printed materials
• Two raffle tickets

$3,000 – Bronze Sponsor

• One Patron Luncheon Table with preferred seating (table for 10)
• Recognition on all printed materials
• One raffle ticket

$2,000 – Patron Sponsor

• One Patron Luncheon Table with preferred seating (table for 10)
• Recognition on all printed materials

$125 – Individual Ticket

Register Below