Our 9th annual Gala will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Live Oak at Cedar Lodge, located at 6300 Jefferson Highway, near Towne Center. Attendees will enter the world of the 1980 film, Urban Cowboy, as they two-step their way into Gilley’s Club at the 2023 “Suburban Cowboy” Gala. Guests will enjoy moonlit hayrides, mechanical bulls, axe throwing, and dancing at The Yellow Rose to our headlining band, The Honkytonk Hayride. Come dressed in your western glam and ready to have a good time!

We have amazing raffle items this year such as a custom pair of men’s or women’s Tecovas Boots valued at $500, a men’s or women’s Kemo Sabe hat valued at $1,000, and a collection of super-allocated bourbon and tequila with matching barware valued at $1000.

Event proceeds will support day-to-day operations at Emerge, allowing greater access to our services for more children with autism and communication challenges in our community.

We are thankful to The Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Family Foundation, which has been the presenting sponsor for our Gala since its inception in 2015.

Sponsorships and Host Committee memberships are available.  

General Admission Tickets are on sale now! Tickets are $150 and Raffle tickets are $25.

For more information, please visit our Gala Event Page.  View our raffle Terms and Conditions.

Battle Against Autism is a series of events created by Chip and Sandi Robinson of Robinson Brothers Ford Lincoln to raise funds for the The Emerge Center to assist in the growth of the autism program. The Robinsons are passionate about raising awareness and acceptance of those living with autism.

Over the past twelve years, Battle Against Autism has raised over $1.7 million for The Emerge Center.

The 52nd Anniversary of BRAVA will take place on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center. 

Schedule of Events:

11 A.M. Champagne Service and Seating

11:30 A.M. to 1 P.M. Luncheon

Each year, this awards luncheon honors a class of individuals who give their time and talents to organizations across our community, above and beyond volunteer requirements, for the betterment of the Greater Baton Rouge area. For further information and updates click here. 

We are thrilled to announce that Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry will be our presenting sponsor for the Annual BRAVA Awards Luncheon for the next 3 years! 

To become a sponsor please contact Ashley McDermott at amcdermott@emergela.org or click here for more information. 

Emerge has hosted the Baton Rouge Area Volunteer Activists since 1971. For a list of all previous Baton Rouge Area Volunteer Activists, please click here.

Nominations will open in June 2023. 

If you’re looking for a hands-on way to support Emerge, consider hosting an event! There are many creative ways your office, school, community group, or you personally can raise money to help support our mission. Here are just a few ideas:

• -Bake Sale
• -Supply Drive
• -Jeans/Dress Down Day
• -5k in honor of a loved one
• -Car Wash
• -Raffle

Gifts of any amount help us provide the highest quality of care to the children who can benefit from our life changing services.

To learn more about hosting an event for Emerge, contact us at events@emergela.org