With fundraising and philanthropy as the event’s objective, the 1,200 women in attendance put their money where their mouths are as they bid on hundreds of items on display, and live auctions on a gamut of goods, from handguns and long guns, one-of-a-kind jewelry, once-in-a-lifetime hunts and safaris, shooting lessons and other unique experiences. 

After all of the guns, hunts and related experiences were spoken for, dozens of women dug deep and displayed extraordinary charitable giving as a call went out for pledges to the NRA's National School Shield Program. The women’s generosity was contagious and resulted in a rush of donations, which was met with plenty of vocal approval by all in attendance, a humble reminder that the heart of the program’s mission is to protect our nation’s schoolchildren.

With the auction portion officially over, an audible hum of excitement filled the ballroom as the women anticipated the arrival of featured guest speaker Tucker Carlson, the popular host of FOX News Channel’s “Tucker Carlson Tonight.”

Carlson offered 20 minutes of his brand of boyish charm, wit and intellect for which he is well-known as he engaged the women with earnest and specific advice on defending their gun rights. He drew enthusiastic applause for his unabashed support for the Second Amendment, sharing stories about growing up in a hunting and shooting family, a heritage he is passing along to his four children.

Carlson’s overall message to the women was, “Be proud. Make a case. Don’t hide. But more than anything, stay cheerful. People who are winning stay cheerful.”

And with that, the 2018 NRA Women's Leadership Forum Luncheon & Auction concluded for another year—but as they say, a woman's work is never done. That is especially true for the women of the NRA. See you in Indianapolis, April 26-28, 2019. 

See You In Indianapolis!

If you live outside the Indianapolis area and are planning to attend the show, make sure you book early as rooms fill up fast! We're happy to be able to offer our members special low hotel rates, easy reservation booking and superior customer service. You can also save time when you arrive by pre-registering and having your badges shipped directly to you for free.