In His Image Pregnancy Resource Center’s annual benefit was held Sept. 12 at the Lewisburg Recreation Center banquet room.

A delicious meal from Russell Catering was served by the Sub Deb Club and the Chapel Hill Beta Club. Beautiful decorations made by Designer Elizabeth Lewis and her team welcomed the largest guest attendance during the past eleven years. The entertaining Master of Ceremonies, Philip Bennett, introduced Executive Director Shirley Lowe who gave an update of center activities. Last year, twenty-one mommies gave life to a total of 11 handsome baby boys and 10 beautiful baby girls. Thirty caring volunteers gave 2,644 hours and six minutes of service. An invitation for others to volunteer was given as it is proven that people who volunteer live longer and enjoy life more.

Next, two clients gave their personal stories of how the PRC helped them during difficult times, materially, educationally or just having caring conversations. There is an abundance of pre-natal and parenting one-on-one classes offered by trained life coaches at the center and points are earned by the clients to use in the large Baby Boutique filled with new and gently used maternity and baby items such as clothing, car seats, cribs and much more. The Client stories are always a hit at the banquet. In His Image PRC is known as a ministry giving a hand up during a stressful time in a new mother’s life and equipping her to be the best mom and person she can be.

Next, a volunteer receptionist with a huge smile, Beverly Seigrist, told the guests why she volunteers, followed by Treva Barnes who described the newest area of service where men and women grieving the loss of a child due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, still birth or death of a child during the first year can find support through counseling and support groups. Next, Joe and Catherine Tanner, told the group WHY they donate to this nonprofit organization, even though they live in a different county. The last special speaker was CPA and Board Chairman Jeff England who told the group why he volunteers his time as a board member and professional.

National Knights of Columbus will match dollar for dollar funds the local Knights and the PRC raise to purchase a new 4D, full color ultrasound machine. It is proven that 78 percent of mommies choose life for their babies after seeing the baby on ultrasound. Martin Ryan and John Rawe were present to answer any questions about how the public can help with this project. This is major for Marshall County residents as this, like all the services offered by the PRC, will be free. Anyone wishing to be part of this new service may call 931-703-6510.

There was a contest just for the men, a large silent auction, and a general auction. An invitation to donate was given and this event ended with many happy guests and funds to continue this amazing service to Marshall County.

The PRC has five main directives:

1) Free Pregnancy Tests (counseling available for both positive and negative results).

2) Material Resources for Mommy-To-Be and baby items from birth through 3Toddler in an on-site baby boutique, managed by volunteer Deb Chambers. Clients purchase these Items with points they earn by taking prenatal and parenting classes.

3) Abstinence Classes for 7th & 8th grade students in the three Marshall County middle schools.

4) Abortion Recovery for women and men dealing with a regretted past abortion decision.

5) Life After Loss - new program launched in August.

All services are free and are made possible by the generous support of churches, businesses, civic clubs and individuals.

Photo submitted

Martin Ryan, Knights of Columbus, and Shirley Lowe, executive director of In His Image Pregnancy Resource Center, pause for a picture at the annual benefit. Martin Ryan and John Rawe are committed to work with the community to provide a state of the art ultrasound machine for the PRC.