Fundraising Gala for Shriners Children’s Shreveport

Special to 318 Forum

Shriners Children’s Shreveport will celebrate patients and families along with the movies of the silver screen, all benefiting the children of Shriners Shreveport on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 6 p.m. A spectacular evening filled with Hollywood elegance, generosity and heartfelt stories, the biennial event brings together community leaders, philanthropists and supporters for a cause close to many hearts. The event highlights patient stories from eight “celebrities” who will be on the red carpet for their photo ops at the Horseshoe Casino Bossier City Riverdome for the Red Carpet Affair fundraising gala.

Shriners Children’s Shreveport has a longstanding legacy of providing extraordinary pediatric care to children regardless of insurance or their families’ ability to pay. As the original hospital in the Shriners network, the Shreveport facility has been a beacon of hope for countless families since its establishment in 1922. This year’s gala celebrates Shriners’ legacy and looks toward the future, ensuring that it can continue to offer life-changing treatments and support.

The evening begins with a cocktail hour, where attendees can browse an array of silent and live auction items, from luxury vacation packages to exquisite jewelry. A lavish seafood buffet is available thanks to the Louisiana Seafood Promotion Board.

Chloe Hyde will be a guest “celebrity” at the Hollywood fundraiser.

“We have some great live auction items this year, including a Dak Prescott-autographed football, (a) Lainey Wilson-autographed guitar played at the Grand Ole Opry, and a PGA tour golf bag signed by Shreveport native Sam Burns,” said Jennifer Martin, senior director of philanthropy for Shriners Children’s Shreveport.

One of the highlights of the evening is the patient “celebrities” and their stories of triumph and perseverance. Their stories of resilience, hope and the exceptional care they received showcase the legacy of care provided by this Shreveport-Bossier pillar.

Chloe Hyde is a local “celebrity” for the evening and who has been treated at Shriners’ cleft lip and palate clinic for several years for hard palate repair and bone grafting. The coming years mean more procedures for Chloe, and Chloe’s mom says the Shriners team has been like a family to them.

Shriners offers a full range of specialty pediatric services for children from birth to age 18. The Shreveport facility offers comprehensive care in one place, including doctor’s appointments, radiology, prosthetics and orthotics, a motion analysis lab and a rehab therapy department for physical, occupational and speech therapy and sports rehab.

“With a steadfast focus on providing outstanding medical care and the enduring support of the communities we serve, Shriners Children’s Shreveport continues to grow and enhance our mission here in Shreveport,” said Susan Bryant, clinic director.

Chole Lerchie uses the sports medicine rehab to help her with her soccer game. She is a 13-year-old apprentice black belt and soccer star.

“Along with our sister facilities throughout the Shriners Children’s system, we are actively seeking to provide care to more children in more locations throughout our coverage area — a continuing effort that is helping even more children receive life-changing care.”

The evening’s paddle raise will focus on raising funds for the rehab department. As part of Shriners’ sports medicine specialty, physicians and health care professionals provide training, injury prevention, and surgical and non-surgical care for pediatric and adolescent sports injuries. From fractures and connective tissue issues to sprains and bruises, Shriners’ rehab specialists are trained to address the physiology of a developing child, helping kids safely and confidently return to the field.

Local “celebrity” Chole Lerchie has been utilizing the sports medicine rehab to help her with her soccer game. The 13-year-old apprentice black belt and soccer star was initially treated for a broken finger. Later, she was diagnosed with scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, and a subsequent sports injury. Chole is a huge fan of Shriners Children’s Shreveport and says her favorite thing about Shriners Children’s Shreveport the hospital is that she feels like she “is a part of something with people who truly care.”

The evening’s featured speaker is Paige LaCombe, the 2025 International Patient Ambassador for the Shriners system, from Lafayette, La. Shriners Children’s selects two International Patient Ambassadors each year to represent the health care system.

Shriners Children’s Shreveport focuses on a range of pediatric services for children from birth to age 18.

Paige, 19, is a college student who experienced a terrifying allergic reaction to a prescription seizure medication when she was only 8 years old. When her symptoms drastically progressed, she was rushed to the hospital with a 104-degree fever and her skin slowly blistering off her body. Doctors knew her best chance of survival was to transfer her to Shriners Children’s.

Several local businesses and individuals have contributed to support Shriners and the Red Carpet Affair fundraising gala. The presenting sponsor is Priority Management. Formed in 2006, Priority Management opened offices in Bossier City and Baton Rouge. Priority Management Group serves as the management company of 37 skilled nursing facilities and four assisted living facilities.

“Thirty-five years ago, my daughter was referred to (the) Shreveport Shriners hospital by her pediatrician. I contacted a friend who was a Shriner, and we were there seeing the specialist within the week,” said Doug Boulware, managing partner of Priority Management.

“Fortunately, she was fine with no issues, but the impression all of the people at (the) Shriners’ hospital made during that time is something I will not forget. Thank you, Shriners Children’s Shreveport.”

Tickets for the gala are $150 each. Visit www.shreveportfirstshriners.org to purchase tickets or donate to support the children. To learn more about Shriners’ specialty pediatric care, visit www.shreveportshriners.org.

The evening’s featured speaker is Paige LaCombe, the 2025 International Patient Ambassador from Lafayette.