The Pregnancy Resource Center of South Central Missouri held its 7th annual Banquet for Life, “In His Image,” April 4 at Faith Fellowship in Houston.
The organization raised nearly $30,000. Since the PRC is a not-for-profit organization and it does not receive government funding, all of the PRC’s operating budget comes through donations. The annual Banquet for Life is its biggest fundraiser.
The keynote speaker for the evening was Rachel Owen, CEO of Infinite Worth. She spoke about a new program that the local PRC recently started in which women who are considering abortion are able to talk with nurses 24 hours a day via text or phone. Debra Stockard, executive director of the Pregnancy Resource Center, spoke about the availability of another life-saving opportunity the center offers: the abortion pill reversal process.
“If given within 72 hours, it stops the effects of the abortion pill, giving the unborn child a second chance at life with no birth defects,” said Stockard.
During the evening, Michele McConnell, client services assistant, introduced two clients who shared their personal stories on how the center impacted their lives. One of the clients explained how she used the nurse chat line and found it to be very comforting, and how the online nurse helped her schedule a pregnancy test at the Pregnancy Resource Center.
The other client stated, “I’m so grateful and thankful for the center.”
In addition to the Banquet for Life, the PRC holds several other fundraisers and special events throughout the year including the Color Run & Walk for Life, Breakfast with Santa and the year-round Baby Bottle Campaign. Last year, it held a Benefit Motorcycle Ride.
“I’m so grateful to all who participate in our fundraisers throughout the year – the donations play a critical role in funding the numerous expenses we face each month and throughout the year,” said Stockard. “With rising costs for every program we offer, every dollar truly makes a difference in saving lives.”
The mission of the Pregnancy Resource Center is to provide women in crisis pregnancies with the necessary support services to enable them to carry their babies to term. Some of the services include free pregnancy tests, first-trimester ultrasounds, prenatal classes, parenting and life-skills classes for women and men, maternity and baby accessories as well as adoption referrals and post-abortion counseling. The local PRC serves clients as far as 60 miles away.
If you know someone who needs the services of the Pregnancy Resource Center or you were not able to attend the banquet this year, but would still like to donate financially, volunteer or host a benefit, call 417-967-1100. The Pregnancy Resource Center is located at 107 E. Pine St in Houston. Visit prcsouthcentral.org or Pregnancy Resource Center of South Central Missouri on Facebook. If you would like to contribute online, you can do so on the website.