NEW ORLEANS – Ascension DePaul Foundation New Orleans (ADFNO) will honor legendary TV news anchor, journalist and ADFNO board member Sally-Ann Roberts with the Inspired Cross Award at its 12th Annual Keeping Our Promises Gala, presented by Quest Diagnostics, on Saturday, April 11, at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.
For more than 25 years, Sally-Ann Roberts co-anchored with the late Eric Paulsen the popular Eyewitness Morning News on WWL-TV, and made the newscast one of the highest-rated morning newscasts in America. During her 40-year career at WWL-TV, Sally-Ann anchored nearly every newscast on WWL-TV, from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends. She retired in 2018 and remains a beacon of light and hope to the many viewers she touched during the city’s most difficult times.
In 1994, Sally-Ann co-founded with Cathy Harris the mentorship organization, Each One Save One. For decades, the nonprofit organization has recruited, screened, trained and placed hundreds of mentors in schools and organizations across the metro area.
Certainly, Sally-Ann’s most cherished accomplishment occurred in Fall 2012 when she donated her bone marrow to her sister, Robin Roberts, who was suffering from a life-threatening disease known as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Since then both sisters have advocated for donors to be added to the National Bone Marrow registry by speaking at conferences nationally and internationally.
Sally-Ann’s books include “Going Live…An Anchorwoman Reports Good News,” a novel titled “Anglevision” and the inspirational “Your Power is On,” featuring photography by Eric Paulsen. In 2025, she co-authored with her brother, Lawrence Roberts, II, a children’s book titled “Lucy Sings on Lucy Street,” which tells the story of her mother, Lucimarian Roberts. Her father, Colonel Lawrence Roberts, was a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen.
The Keeping Our Promises Gala supports DePaul Community Health Centers’ Mission of providing high-quality, comprehensive health care to individuals and families across the region, regardless of their ability to pay. The evening will begin with an exclusive Patron Party at 6 p.m., followed by the Gala from 7 to 11 p.m., featuring live entertainment, cuisine, specialty cocktails, and a silent auction. U.S. Navy Commander (Ret.) and Senior Meteorologist for The Times-Picayune/NOLA.com Damon Singleton will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
Additional Inspired Cross Award honorees this year include Peter Quirk, Leon Reymond, Jr., and Howard L. Rodgers III, who will also be recognized for their leadership and dedication to promoting healthy communities.
Individual tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here or contact Charles Robichaux, fund development manager, at charles.robichaux@dcsno.org.