By Paige Gurgainers –
More than 35 participants took to Broadway Street for the second annual Angel Baby Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 10, before a gathering at Miller Quarters Park brought families and supporters together for Halo Fest.
Hosted by Hearts & Halos: Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness, the event centered on the theme “Hope in Motion,” honoring babies lost during pregnancy or infancy while supporting the families who carry their memories.
In a message following the event, organizer Neisa said she, her husband Jonathan, and Hearts & Halos mental health advisor and board member Beverly Siah Hulbin were still searching for words to express their gratitude.
“Being able to connect with all of you, hear your stories, and pour love and support into you meant so much to us,” Neisa shared.
According to Neisa, the community answered the organization’s call to “pack the park” for Halo Fest. More than 14 attendees received a Healing Bag and Canvas through the organization’s outreach.
The day included vendors, music, games, a Pumpkin Patch healing activity, the Halos of Hope Raffle and a bubble release honoring babies who have died. Neisa described an atmosphere where remembrance and joy could exist together, with parents honoring their babies, families supporting one another and children playing.
Organizers also welcomed people who had not personally experienced pregnancy or infant loss but attended to support the mission.
“We want families to know that their experiences are acknowledged, but we also want our community to understand how important it is to support them and learn more about pregnancy loss and infant loss,” Neisa wrote.
Hearts & Halos recognized its HOPE Sponsors: Christine Broussard, Purvéy Minden, FlipFlop Resale, Geaux Fresh, Michael Roy for City Council District D and It’s Sew Monica. Organizers also thanked Visit Webster Parish, the Webster Parish Convention & Visitors Commission, for supporting awareness and community engagement.
Chief McIver, Deputy Chief Tokia Whiting-Harrison and the Minden Police Department assisted with barricades, traffic control and participant safety. The Minden Police Association donated a cooler of ice and bottled water.
Volunteers helped transport supplies, set up activities, assist families and keep the event running. Those recognized included Hulbin and her daughter, Criss Williamson; cadets from the Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program at Camp Minden and Sgt. Sanders; Heather Poore Feeback, her husband Brian and their son Grayson; members of Minden JSL; Susan Dandridge and a friend; Christine Broussard; Michelle Lindsey, owner of FlipFlop Resale; Lajuana Logan; and NaQore Glover.
Organizers also acknowledged visits from Councilman Michael Roy, Councilman Buddy Miles and his wife Zeta, Mayor Nick Cox, Chief McIver, and candidates Heather Feeback, Ryan Barnette and Patricia Williams.
Halo Fest vendors included Skid On In, Sweet Pea’s Cake Cottage, Dandy Cotton Candy, Cat Lady Creations, Prettie N Paint–Casandra Hart, Ganny CrystOLYN Creations LLC–Gwendolyn Holden, Made By Christy Creates and Personally Yours.
Cajun Cyster of NWLA, Inc., provided gift bags raising awareness of polycystic ovary syndrome, while Caring Cradle supplied educational materials and promotional items for attendees.
The Villas at Spanish Court, The Queendom Dance Fitness, Jazy Bodies Cardio Dance Fitness and Holiday Lanes donated raffle prizes. Ganny CrystOLYN Creations LLC and Personally Yours contributed additional raffle items during the event.
Other donations helped cover practical needs and special touches throughout the day. Ad Sign Service provided the event yard sign; Port-A-Jon donated a portable restroom; DJ Derrick donated his time and services; Minden Coca-Cola supplied beverages; Ace Hardware Minden donated four hay bales for the Pumpkin Patch; Kimberly Kreations provided medal cutouts and lanyards; and Geaux Fresh donated sugar cookies.
Minden Medical Center and Susan Dandridge supplied bubbles and other materials for the remembrance release. Organizers also thanked Beverly Hulbin, Michelle Lindsey of FlipFlop Resale, Skid On In and Heather Feeback for contributions toward supplies and carnival games, including Prize Machine boxes.
For Hearts & Halos, the event reflected a mission that grew from personal loss into opportunities for families to find support and connection.
Neisa said the organization hopes to continue distributing Healing Bags and Canvases, sharing resources and creating spaces for remembrance and healing. She thanked everyone who donated, volunteered, shared event information, invited others or simply attended.
The organization’s final event of 2026, the Halo Tree: Angel Ornament Workshop, is planned for December. Information about Halo Circle meetings will also be announced. The third annual Angel Baby Fun Run and Halo Fest is scheduled for Oct. 9, 2027.
