The Stettler Pregnancy Care Centre hosted its 2024 annual fundraising gala earlier in April.
A well-attended event, the fundraising gala consisted of a free supper, a silent auction and a live auction with a number of items up for grabs.
The Stettler Pregnancy Care Centre has operated in the community since 2022 and is part of the larger Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre, which is based out of the Red Deer area, and has offices throughout the region.
A major priority for the centre is education and support “before, during and after” pregnancy, said Leah Carpenter, the Stettler Centre’s director in her welcome at the gala.
“We meet clients where they are in the moment,” said Carpenter.
“We provide a beacon of hope amid a fog of uncertainty.”
Services provided by the centre include a 24-hour helpline, a maternity home in Red Deer, relationship education, pregnancy and birth education, parenting education, pregnancy-related grief support, and post-abortion support all in a judgement-free and supportive atmosphere.
Ultimately, the purpose of the centre is about connecting clients with resources, says Carpenter.
The Pregnancy Care Centre doesn’t just support women; the facility has a male program as well to support fathers-to-be.
Stettler Mayor Sean Nolls was on hand to bring greetings from the town, and he beamed with pride at the support the centre had in the community, as evidenced by the many community members at the gala.
“It shows how caring of a community (the centre) really has,” said Nolls.
“It makes me smile every time seeing everyone.”
Bringing greetings from the County of Stettler was Coun. Ernie Gendre.
Following the welcome and greetings, a pork loin supper, with potatoes, salad, and dessert, prepared by volunteers was served up.
Attendees at the gala had throughout supper and until the end of the first part of the program, 8 p.m., to get their bids in for the silent auction.
Once supper was finished, the program began around 7:30 p.m. which featured client testimonials and musical entertainment provided by Leigh Manalo and Sheldon and Erika Grice.
Following the program was a live auction.
Items up for auction ranged from homemade bumbleberry pie, which went for $140, to a helicopter tour which went for $750.
Other items auctioned off included a flower subscription, airplane rides, a pair of 20-pound beef loins (that were bought by the same person), a coffee-roasting experience, and a dinner and trail ride.
The evening closed with a message from Lisa Smith, the executive director of the Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre.
“Hope is contagious,” said Smith.
“With hope, we can bring others with us … we walk alongside our clients and deliver accurate information with no fear or judgement.”
In total, the gala raised around $14,000, after expenses, for the Stettler Pregnancy Care Centre.
“We are thankful for our sponsors who helped cover the cost of the event,” said Smith, in a follow-up email.
“The amount raised was less than we hoped for and we will be looking to our Stettler community to continue supporting us financially, as they are able.”
-With files from the Stettler Independent
