New Orleans, LA – March 24, 2026 — Community advocacy can take many forms — including an exciting, glamorous night of fine dining, live entertainment, and extraordinary stories of courage and resilience. On Friday, May 8, at 6 p.m., New Orleans business leaders, philanthropists, and supporters will gather for Project Lazarus’ premier fundraiser, the Guardian Angel Gala, which honors outstanding HIV/AIDS advocates.
The annual black-tie event, which raises critical funds to provide housing and critical support services for community members with HIV, will take place at the elegant JW Marriott New Orleans, located at 614 Canal Street.
Each year, Project Lazarus recognizes individuals whose compassion and commitment have profoundly supported residents and community members living with HIV/AIDS. The 2026 honorees include:
- Greg Domingue, PE, MBA
- Branch Manager, AWC, Inc., retired Project Lazarus Board Chair
- Sr. Judith (Judy) Gomila, MSC
- Marianite Sister of Holy Cross, retired Project Lazarus Board Member
- Jeff Guillory
- Retiree, dedicated Project Lazarus volunteer
“The Guardian Angel Gala provides our organization with a platform to celebrate the joys and personal accomplishments of our volunteers and supporters. Without their work, Project Lazarus would not be here today. Their voices underline the need that remains within our communities,” Project Lazarus Executive Director, Ian Bicko, said.
Early bird tickets, priced at $175, are available until April 2. Regular admission ticket prices, which end May 8, are listed at $200.
Sponsors for the event include Healthy Blue; Barry LeVie Financial; Benecom Technologies; Avita Pharmacy; Hancock Whitney; Dr. Ivan Sherman; Vincent Saia and Glynn Stephens; The Lucky Law Firm; MidCity Title; New Orleans LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce; St. Thomas Community Health Center; Viiv, and Stonewall Sports.
Nick Daigle and Jerry Q. Fredieu serve as the 2026 event chairs.
Project Lazarus began as a trailblazing entity that was established at the height of the HIV/AIDs epidemic, providing hospice and caretaking services to individuals and families affected by the virus. Today, the nonprofit’s holistic programming covers gaps of care for many people impacted by housing and food insecurity, a history of substance use, mental health diagnoses, and more. It serves over 70 people annually, including under-resourced Black and Hispanic/Latino communities disproportionately impacted by new HIV diagnoses within the Greater New Orleans region.
Auction items are still being accepted for the event’s silent and live auctions. Donors can submit their donations online via the event form. For ticket information or additional details, please contact Lluvia Peveto, development manager, at lpeveto@projectlazarus.net or visit onecau.se/gaa.
Media Contact:
Lluvia Peveto
Development Manager
Project Lazarus
lpeveto@projectlazarus.net
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