As keynote speaker, conservative podcast host Allie Beth Stuckey gave a thought-provoking speech at the 38th annual Focus on Life Benefit Dinner on Monday, October 13.
A crowd of 824 guests and 20 student volunteers heard Stuckey give a Biblical defense for the protection of human life. She contended that if God created the world, then He is the sole authority over it.
She boldly challenged people of faith by stating that when Christians say they don’t want to “get political” what they actually mean is they don’t want to “get Biblical.” She further denounced churches for tiptoeing around the issue of abortion and stated that they were watering down the truth in an effort to “out nice” God. With searing logical and Biblical support, Stuckey explained that the most loving thing anyone can do for others is to speak the full truth.
Caleb Zylstra, winner of the High School Oratory Contest both locally and statewide, presented his speech, in which he gave a compelling argument for befriending people with differing viewpoints. He contended that by building relationships, prolife people can share the message of life in a friendly, winsome way.
Matt Kallman, Kent County Commissioner, was the charming emcee for the evening. He spoke about his commitment to life and mentioned that he and his wife have ten children, two of whom were adopted from China.
Laura Alexandria, president of Grand Rapids Right to Life, gave a talk about the accomplishments of the organization during 2025, which included student scholarships, digital ads to help women facing an unplanned pregnancy, billboards, educational publications, outreach events including a premiere film screening and a talk by an abortion survivor, and work with local faith communities.
Many dignitaries, prolife legislators, and local judges were in attendance.
The evening opened with a prayer from Bishop David Walkowiak, Diocese of Grand Rapids, and ended with prayer from Harry Koops, senior pastor of Eighth Reformed Church.
Photos from the Focus on Life Benefit Dinner may be viewed on the Grand Rapids Right to Life Flickr page.