Ray Conner
Kern Valley Sun

The Kern River Valley Pregnancy Resource Center celebrated its first annual fundraising banquet, themed “A Night in Tuscany,” Oct. 3. The event, held in the Family Life Center gymnasium in Wofford Heights, drew close to 200 people.

The PRC, located at 5120 Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella, opened in January, to offer pregnant girls and women “compassionate, non-judgmental care,” according to Myrtle Pierce, the center’s director. “There is a need for a center like this in every town in America. We want to give women and men and families another option; to offer them hope, a place of safety and acceptance.” Since its opening, 22 clients have walked through center’s door to take advantage of services such as, pregnancy testing, community referrals for medical and social services, referrals for adoptions and material assistance.

“Our goal is to grow in what we can offer and in doing so become a valuable and sought-after resource to the people of our community,” stated the evening’s program.

The dinner raised “significant amount of monies” to fund the everyday needs of the center, and hope of increasing the vision they have for helping pregnant women, girls, as well as their partners.

“A Night in Tuscany” started with appetizers and fellowship at most of the 27 tables that were set up in the gym. ECHO Academy students served the sit-down dinner and a spirited live auction held. Guest speakers spoke of the vision for the PRC, which was followed by a special raffle for door prizes.

Then it was time for the entertainment portion of the evening. Former Kern Valley resident, Teresa Koop, took the stage and delivered tear-in-your-eye, lump-in-the-throat renditions of songs along with personal reflection of her life, while giving the listeners many moments of self reflection.