An evening dedicated to impact, partnership, and community will take center stage on March 12, 2026, as United Way of Northwest Louisiana hosts its annual Tails & Ales: A Celebration of Impact. The event will be held at Paradise Theatre inside Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City.
The night begins at 5:00 p.m. with a networking and cocktail hour, giving corporate partners, philanthropists, community leaders, and supporters an opportunity to connect. The formal program will follow at 6:00 p.m., highlighting the collective difference made throughout 2025.
Tails & Ales serves as United Way’s signature gathering, a time to reflect on the progress achieved across its ten parish region and to recognize the individuals and organizations helping drive that momentum forward. During the program, UWNWLA will present its annual awards, including the prestigious Clyde E. Fant Memorial Award. Established in 1949, the award honors an individual for exceptional leadership, campaign support, or volunteer service. Past recipients include Virginia K. Shehee in 1975, Mary Ann Selber in 2001, Jaf Fielder in 2023, and Sonja Bailes in 2025.
This year’s honoree is Denny Moton, Market Executive for Regions Bank, recognized for his outstanding leadership and commitment to community impact.
The 2026 celebration is made possible through the generous support of ANECA Federal Credit Union, Regions Bank, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, Yokem Toyota, and Enterprise Mobility.
Guests can expect a festive atmosphere complete with a shrimp and crawfish buffet or fresh salad bar, complimentary wine and beer, a dessert bar, live music, and raffle packages. The evening will also spotlight outstanding campaign partners and community leaders whose efforts have strengthened Northwest Louisiana.
Tickets are $65 and include access to all food and beverages. Proceeds from the event directly support United Way of Northwest Louisiana programs, which serve more than 100,000 lives annually throughout the region.
“Tails & Ales is our opportunity to pause and celebrate the partners who power this work,” said UWNWLA President and CEO LaToria W. Thomas. “Because of their commitment, families across Northwest Louisiana have greater access to youth opportunity, financial security, and essential support when they need it most. This event honors the businesses and individuals who choose to mobilize our community toward lasting impact.”
With limited seating available, guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at unitedwaynwla.org/tails-ales. Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Keely Verges at keely@unitedwaynwla.org or Shekinah Robberson at shekinah@unitedwaynwla.org.
Founded on the belief that communities thrive when people come together, United Way of Northwest Louisiana mobilizes action so all can succeed. By listening to local needs and responding with a comprehensive approach, the organization works across ten parishes to strengthen resilience, advance healthy communities, expand youth opportunity, and promote financial security. Through shared innovation and scaled impact, United Way continues working toward a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential.
