2024 Faith, Family, and Freedom Dessert Gala

We enjoyed hosting the 2024 Faith, Family, and Freedom Dessert Gala! The Gala was held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 7pm at the Delta by Marriott Hotel in Fargo. Our keynote speaker for the event was Tony Perkins, President of Family Research Council, with special music provided by Alivia Hoke!

About Tony Perkins

Tony Perkins is Family Research Council's fourth and longest-serving president, joining the organization in August of 2003. Described as a legislative pioneer by the national media, Tony has established himself as an innovative pro-life and pro-family policy and political leader since first being elected to office in 1996.
 
Recognized as the leading conservative and pro-life voice in the Louisiana Legislature, Tony was a tireless advocate for the family. He had a significant impact on Louisiana politics as a state representative and as a candidate for the United States Senate in 2002. While in the Legislature, he authored numerous other policy initiatives, including:

• First state Covenant Marriage law in 1997

• State Family Impact Statement, requiring state agencies to consider the impact of rules and regulations on families.

• Comprehensive Abortion Clinic regulations

• Genetic Nondiscrimination Act

• Public School Internet Filtering requirement

• Expansion of Louisiana Department of Corrections partnership with faith-based organizations to reduce recidivism rates.

During his tenure as FRC's president, Tony has substantially deepened the organization's influence on Capitol Hill. In May 2018, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell appointed Tony to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), where he served as both Chair and Vice Chair. Tony has also expanded the organization's reach across the nation by building a major network of pastors and churches, encouraging them to impact the culture by thinking nationally, but acting locally.
 
Tony is an ordained minister and remains active in Christian ministries. He is a board member of Caring to Love Ministries, one of Louisiana's largest pregnancy resource centers. Tony is the immediate past president of the Council for National Policy.
 
An effective communicator, Tony is the host of a daily, nationally syndicated radio show, Washington Watch with Tony Perkins. He frequently appears as a guest on national news programs and talk shows and has been a guest speaker for organizations across the country. He is the author of No Fear: Real Stories of a Courageous New Generation Standing for Truth.
 
A veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a former police officer, Tony brings a unique perspective to the public policy process. In addition to domestic law enforcement, he oversaw the training of hundreds of international police officers as the general manager for a Washington, D.C.-based firm contracted by the U.S. Department of State to provide training and services in anti-terrorism.
 
Tony holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University, a Master of Public Administration degree from Louisiana State University, and was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Liberty University.
 
He and his wife Lawana have been married since 1986 and have five children.

Alivia Hoke is a recent graduate from the University of Jamestown where she earned her bachelor’s degree with a Major in Music Education and a Minor in Character in Leadership. Alivia is pursuing her passion for music and is teaching elementary music starting in the fall of 2024. In college, Alivia studied vocal performance and gave three recitals during her time at the University of Jamestown. She also participated and played lead roles in several of the University’s musical productions. Alivia is full of excitement for her future of sharing her love of music with others.

 
 
We look forward to welcoming Tony to North Dakota, and hope you’ll make plans to join us at the 2024 Faith, Family, and Freedom Dessert Gala!