On Thursday, May 12, the Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC) of the Poconos held its annual fundraising banquet at the Stroudsmoor Country Inn. With John 1:5, “The Light Shines in the Darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” serving as inspiration for the night’s theme, the PRC of the Poconos exists to share the love of Christ while promoting sexual integrity and bringing life-affirming services to those unprepared for pregnancy or hurt by abortion.
The purpose of the banquet was to raise funds for the PRC of the Poconos to continue its mission of providing free and confidential services to its clients. Services provided include pregnancy tests, limited obstetrical ultrasounds, options counseling, prenatal and parenting education and counseling, abstinence outreach to local public schools and youth groups, fatherhood initiative program, adoption information and referrals, and referrals for medical and community services, maternity and baby items, and more.
Reverend Rob Provitera served as Master of Ceremonies for the night, welcoming the over 300 guests in attendance, handling introductions, and the pledge challenge. During dinner, Exec. Director of Pocono PRC, Alice Marchesani, gave an update on the ministry. Over the past year, the PRC has taken on 67 new clients, conducted 162 parenting educational sessions, 36 fatherhood sessions, 75 abstinence outreach events, conducted 28 ultrasounds, birthed 15 babies, saved 8 babies from being aborted, and served 4 after-abortion care clients.
Following Marchesani, a client gave a first-hand account of how the PRC helped her through pregnancy. Her baby, who joined the mother on stage, also had a shared a few words. Provitera then spoke on behalf of his organization, the Pocono Dad Project.
Guest speaker Jill Stanek recalled her time as a labor and delivery nurse at a hospital performing abortions, which she had been unaware of, leading to her becoming a national figure in the fight to protect both born and pre-born infants. Quoting Isaiah 43 to open her speech, Jill related the passage to her battle. Being called to speak out against live birth abortions at Christ Hospital, where she worked, Jill leaned on the power that her faith provided her. Her powerful testimony inspired many in attendance, with some guests holding back tears.
A thank you note on the event’s agenda reads, “Tonight’s event has been underwritten by several generous supporters so that every dollar donated this evening will go straight to our pro-life ministry of hope and compassion. Please give as the Lord leads. Your financial partnership provides an eternal investment for hundreds of people in your community. A special Thank You to Aren Woods, SaraMarie Puopolo, and Rob Provitera.”
For more information on the Pregnancy Resource Center of The Poconos, or if you feel led to donate, links can be found below.
Phone Number: (570) 424- 0373
PRC Website: https://prcpoconos.org/
PRC Donation Page: https://secure.egsnetwork.com/donate/E888C257E00844B
Keep up to date on Pocono news, art, and events by following us on the Newsbreak app.
