At a glance
Whispering Hope’s annual fundraiser banquet is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 20. Today is the deadline to reserve a seat. Call (770) 889-8302. Tickets are $25 and include dinner. For more information, visit www.supportwhisperinghope.org.
A national pro-life advocate will speak during an upcoming fundraiser.
Jackie Batson, center director of Whispering Hope, said Carol Everett will be the keynote speaker during the organization’s annual banquet Oct. 20. The deadline to reserve a seat is today.
A community outreach of First Redeemer Church, Whispering Hope provides a range of medical and other programs for women facing unplanned pregnancies.
Batson said the annual banquet is the ministry’s primary fundraiser of the year.
"This is a great opportunity to hear a renowned speaker," Batson said.
Everett was involved in the operation of four pregnancy termination clinics from 1977-83. However, she experienced a change in her life when she became a Christian.
Today, she is committed to safeguarding the health of women and their babies all over the nation.
"People should come out to hear from [Everett]. She’s witnessed so much in the abortion industry and is a very compelling speaker," Batson said.
She also hopes the event will help spread the word about Whispering Hope.
"We want the community to know we’re right here in their backyard," she said.
Batson said Whispering Hope is "a medical clinic" that provides free pregnancy tests and other services, including ultrasounds, to women in need.
"We also offer education and mentoring for anyone experiencing what we call a crisis pregnancy," she said.
In addition, Whispering Hope offers a program called Earn While You Learn, where women can earn credit for items from the facility’s thrift store, the Bargain Boutique.
"They can earn ‘mommy money’ every time they attend a class or complete a homework assignment and then use that money in the mommy store part of the thrift store," Batson said.
"We have everything from diapers and wipes to formula and clothing, cribs, layettes, wash tubs, strollers — really, anything they might need."
Batson said the ministry has served more than 325 women this year, providing more than 170 pregnancy tests and 90 ultrasounds.
Clients have ranged in age from 12 to 42 years old.
The annual banquet provides a large portion of funding for each year.
"All services are free of charge to our clients, and with the down economy, our statistics have definitely gone up in recent years," Batson said. "So community support is definitely needed."