SHAWN CARNEY


Houston, TX



SHAWN CARNEY


Pro-Life Speaker and Co-Founder of 40 Days for Life

Author, Speaker, Record-Breaking Fundraiser, Co-Founder and Campaign Director of 40 Days for Life

Shawn Carney is one of the youngest and most inspirational pro-life speakers in America today.

Shawn began in the pro-life movement in college as a volunteer and after college was asked to be the Executive Director of the organization he volunteered for, the Coalition for Life which is made up of over 60 churches in Texas.

Shawn’s passion for local pro-life ministry led to rapid growth during his years as executive director. Shawn helped recruit and train thousands of volunteers, increased the income of the organization’s annual banquet from $80,000 to $322,000, and orchestrated the purchase and remodeling of a new office next door to the Planned Parenthood abortion facility to offer free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds, and loving support to women. Shawn knows and understands firsthand the joys and challenges of running a local pro-life organization and of putting on a local fundraising banquet.

In 2004, Shawn helped to lead the first-ever 40 Days for Life campaign in College Station, Texas. This breakthrough initiative – made up of 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion, round-the-clock peaceful vigil outside a local abortion center, and grassroots door-to-door outreach – dropped local abortion numbers by 28%.

Beginning in 2007, Shawn helped to expand 40 Days for Life as a national and then international movement. Today 40 Days for Life has been done in 501 cities in all 50 states and 19 countries including England, Germany, Australia, Canada, Uganda, and Russia.

His efforts have mobilize more than 575,000 pro-life volunteers over the last five years. 40 Days for Life has confirmed reports of 6,717 mothers choosing life and 75 abortion center workers who have has conversions and left their jobs, including former Planned Parenthood director, Abby Johnson who walked into Shawn’s office just next door to her abortion facility.

Shawn is a regular media spokesperson and his work has been featured on hundreds of media outlets including Fox News’ “The O’Reilly Factor”, The New York Times, The Laura Ingraham Show, The Drudge Report, and USA Today, and Christian media, including The Christian Post, National Catholic Register, Salem Radio, Relevant Radio, EWTN Radio, and Focus on the Family.

Shawn also serves as executive producer and host of the pro-life television series, “being HUMAN,” which airs in 128 million homes via the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN).

Shawn’s experience in local and national pro-life ministry has led him across America, inspiring audiences at pregnancy center events, conferences, fundraising banquets, churches, colleges, and high schools. His passion for helping women and the unborn is contagious.

As a speaker and consultant, Shawn has built a proven track record of helping pro-life organizations raise record-breaking amounts at fundraising banquets – whether it is a group’s first or twentieth banquet.

Shawn lives in Texas with his wife and four children.

Visit Shawn's Website at: http://www.shawncarney.org.


What others are saying about Shawn...


"Shawn Carney was one of our best speakers ever. This year's banquet theme was Hope for the Next Generation. He encouraged all of us to perservere. AND we raised over our goal without pressure. His appeal was clear and effective. Almost a month later and people are thanking us for the invitation to our annual fundraiser. Highly recommend."
-Linda J. Cochrane
Hopeline Pregnancy Resource Center

"Shawn Carney was SPECTACULAR! We loved him and he did exactly what I wanted - took the exact 30 minutes, did a great "ask" and just was perfection. I am so glad I booked him!"
-Candice Keller
Community Pregnancy Center

"Shawn Carney spoke at our fourteenth annual banquet on Tuesday, October 16. He is one of the most articulate and powerful pro-life speakers of this generation and he proved that with the message he shared that evening. Our banquet was sold out with standing room only and the feedback we’ve received has been that this was our best banquet and by far the best speaker. We have been blessed to meet and hear Shawn and would encourage every pregnancy center to invite him to speak at their banquet. God brought us the right person, at the right time, with the right message to reenergize each of us to do our part to continue the fight for the souls of mothers and babies. The funds we raised that night far exceeded our prayers."
-Deanna Still
Heartbeat Pregnancy

"WOW! Shawn Carney was so incredible! We are so glad we had him come out and speak at our Banquet! Our donations came in at $63,800, compared to last year's $35,000! What a blessing he is to our ministry! And he was easy and great to work with!"
-Cathy Goggin
New Beginnings Family Services

"Shawn (Carney) was absolutely outstanding! I highly recommend him and would have him back again another year! We exceeded our financial goals by $13,242...night of income from his appeal was $162,045 - outstanding with an audience of 386 people!"
-Jane Wahl, Pregnancy Resource Center

"I can't say enough good things about Shawn. Per our feedback, he was EXCEPTIONAL! Many of our donors thought he was the best speaker we've ever had. He was so personable, down to earth, and brought the abortion issue to a local level. His financial plea was great - we raised about $20,000 more than in prior years. FANTASTIC young man - God is using him in mighty ways! I absolutley loved having Shawn speak at our Banquet. He was easy to work with and just an overall WONDERFUL young man. All feedback on him was EXCEPTIONAL! (no negative remarks at all). Thank you also for all your help - it is a joy to work with Ambassador!"
-Debbie Geist
Executive Director, LifeNetwork of Southern Illinois


"Shawn is a very personable man and is a great speaker. His great message, intertwined with good humor was absolutely a perfect combination for the time frame in which he spoke. We all loved him!"
-Gayle Attebury, Oregon Right to Life

"Shawn was the most effective speaker we have had in years! The effectiveness of the presentation was second to none. Such an effective speaker, but also so easy to work with, personable and humble."
Sarah Hill, Elizabeth's New Life Center

"Last year’s banquet brought in $43,490. Because of the economy this year we had put in our budget to bring in $38,000. We had told the table hosts to pray for $50,000-both of which were exceeded. God is good and we loved Shawn. You guys were great!"
-Linda Carter, The Pregnancy Center of Southwest Georgia

"Shawn is the most effective and engaging speaker we have ever had for any event. Though we do not have banquets every year, we do have fundraising events every year and this banquet was, by far, the most effective in terms of 1. Underwriting, 2. Attendance, and 3. Giving. Shawn knew how to connect with the audience and hold their attention. He was memorable and relevant in his message. Every comment we have received from those in attendance (and there have been many) regarding Shaw and his message has been extremely positive. We would highly recommend Shawn to anyone considering a banquet speaker. Thank you again Shawn. We are grateful God lead us to you and Banquet Success!"
Donna Landers
Executive Director
CHOOSE LIFE of NORTH ALABAMA, INC.

“Over and over again, I am hearing that Shawn Carney was the best banquet speaker we have ever had. From the moment he started talking, a holy hush fell over the room and it was so obvious the Lord's anointing is on this young man. He intertwined what our Center is doing to stop abortion and made people want to be involved. He really stressed is at the grassroots level (local involvement) that abortion will be stopped. People are very excited about possibly having Shawn back in 2012.”
-Pregnancy Care Center, Rocky Mount, NC


“I cannot say enough great things about Shawn. He is, by far, our favorite speaker. He called the day before, arrived an hour and a half early, mingled with everyone, spoke eloquently, and stayed for over an hour after the event to talk with guests and volunteers. He is so personable and down-to-earth. Because he has conducted banquets before, he knows how to honor the center hosting the event. I am so thankful that we invited him to come! Even with our economy, we broke a financial record at this event!”
-Cleburne Pregnancy Center

"We highly recommend Shawn Carney as a keynote speaker for your pro-life fundraising banquet. After 11 years relying on other fundraisers, we planned our first-ever fundraising banquet and selected Shawn to give the keynote address and the appeal. On the day of our event, Shawn went straight from the airport to tour the clinic, meet the staff, and see its close proximity to the last abortion clinic in town. He then parlayed his observations into his keynote speech and challenged all attending that this is a grassroots issue, that “our goal is not to make abortion illegal, our goal is to make abortion unthinkable,” and that each person can make a difference.

What were our results? We hoped for 200 guests and expected $30-$35,000. Instead, 230 guests donated $70,800, and 67 families became brand new monthly donors! He touched the hearts of men and women alike and has lit a fire in our pro-life community to continue the work. Thank you, Shawn, for being such a positive, inspiring, and thought-provoking public speaker!"
-Bernadette Howard, Open Door Women’s Clinic

“I would highly recommend hosting Shawn Carney for any pro-life event. He was fun yet professional, and loving yet honest in his approach. An excellent leader, speaker, and all-around good man!”
-William and Mary Students for Life

“More than 2x last year! I have been making calls to donors and I cannot believe all of the positive feedback. Your methods are wonderful! Thank you so very much!”
-Life Choices Pregnancy Center

“I would highly recommend Shawn as your banquet speaker. We heard 100% positive comments from our supporters and know he connected well with the people at the Banquet. Shawn has a good combination of humor and seriousness that keeps people captivated.”
-Pregnancy Resource Center of Grand Prairie


“Shawn is a humble, gifted speaker and everyone loved him. He was able to connect with the entire audience because he addressed the abortion issue from many different facets while reminding everyone that our ministry is based on the hope of Jesus. Even though we were skeptical about the two part appeal process, Shawn presented it in a professional and honest manner and it was very effective.”
-The Pregnancy Center of LaGrange


“Shawn shared at our 15 year celebration banquet and the next night shared at our new satellite office banquet. His message challenged the hearts of all attending both banquets and the audience responded! One of the most impressive parts of Shawn’s message was how he personalized it to the center he was representing. Our main center raised over $17,000 more than last year and our new satellite office raised half their first year’s budget!”
-Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center and Walker Area Pregnancy Support Center, April 12 and 13, 2010

"It's been a week since the banquet and people are still buzzing about Shawn Carney and how you hit home with everyone! Last year we had 220 people attending and raised $21,500. This year we had about the same amount of people - 225 actually, and our goal was $22,500.We surpassed our goal with a 43% increase and raised $32,075!"
Misty Mehrkens
LifeCare Pregnancy Center, Minnesota

"Outstanding! The spread sheets we did that night show that Shawn's appeal struck home! As the numbers still continue to pour in it looks like we're up at least 50% from last year! "
-Carol Siedhoff,
Montgomery County Right to Life

"For our first banquet we raised over $65,000 and with only 215 people in attendance!

Shawn did a wonderful job of bringing the topic of abortion to a level that people felt they could make a difference. They loved the frankness of his approach in asking for funds for our pregnancy center. Shawn's truth and earnestness refreshingly comes forth with just the right amount of humor that kept the mood from getting too heavy. We thank God for bringing Shawn to us."
Diane Toomer,
St. Joseph Helpers Pregnancy Center, Arkansas

“This was our best banquet in 23 years! We received many comments from attendees stating how much they loved Shawn’s presentation. He was able to come into our banquet and professionally personalize his speech to reach our donors effectively. We would highly recommend him to another organization!”
Gina M. Kennedy, Executive Director Pregnancy Resource Center of Cambridge

“Shawn is engaging and funny. He is also a breath of fresh air in the pro-life arena. Everyone said this was the best banquet they had ever been to!”
-Immokalee Pregnancy Center

“To hear Shawn talk with such passion and commitment as such a young man, to talk about these issues the way he does I got to tell you, it pumps me up!”
Laura Ingraham, Nationally Syndicated Radio Talk Show Host
Author, Shut Up and Sing

"Shawn’s passion for the pro-life movement and its future is undeniable. We were privileged to have him speak for us at several fundraising events. Through him, we were offered a glimpse into the promising and exciting future leadership of the pro-life movement in America. His faith and powerful presence invigorated our audiences. His remarks motivated our supporters to contribute to us both financially and spiritually.

"It’s not every day that you encounter someone who is so dedicated, well-versed, and at such a young age! Shawn is an asset to our organization, and we will definitely have him speak for us again."
Stacey Kromer, Vice President
Vitae Caring Foundation
Central Region

"Shawn presents the need for pro-life support very well and helped our banquet attendees understand their role in the pro-life movement. Shawn also worked very hard with us in understanding our community and the make up of our donor base so that his presentation would be as impactive as possible. Shawn was a great asset at our banquet event this year and we were very pleased to have him!"
Janna DiGiacomo, Executive Director Real Choices Pregnancy Care Center

“Since Shawn began speaking at our benefit and giving the financial appeal three years ago, his enthusiasm and sincerity increased our funds by an average of 32% every single year. Shawn’s passion is motivating and crucial in raising funds for the pro-life cause.”
James Olson, George Bush School of Government at Texas A&M University
Author, FAIR PLAY: The Moral Dilemmas of Spying

“Shawn is the best! He is young but wise beyond his years. He is able to relate well to all groups and adjusts his message to the level of the audience. He is funny and sincere. He is knowledgeable about the life issues and able to respond to all questions. When confronted by the opposition, he diffuses their arguments. His arguments are logical and philosophical and indisputable. I highly recommend him to speak at any function!”
Ellen Markham, Executive Director
Dubuque County Right to Life

“I just wanted you to know that in all 8 years of doing these banquets, this was the most highly spoke of! You did an absolutely fantastic job! I have NEVER received e-mail, phone calls and cards from attendees expressing how, inspired, motivated and encouraged they were like I did after you spoke this past week. You are a wonderful vessel that God is using to promote Life. It was an honor to meet you. I wish you and your family all of Gods blessings. The amount of money raised had a great deal to do with your message, and you did such a fantastic job tying it in with all of our great news. People love to know that their contributions are making a difference and plans are moving in a forward direction. Thank you again for making that happen.”
-Heartbeat of Fremont