‘Build-A-Bag’ to benefit center
First Choice Pregnancy Center will host “Build-A-Bag 2009,” a dinner and silent auction, today at McGregor Baptist Church in Fort Myers to benefit vital services in the community.
Attendees will see a multimedia presentation telling the story of four previous clients and how they were helped by First Choice. The center offers confidential services such as pregnancy tests, ultrasound exams, counseling, referral services and classes.
The center, located on Del Prado Boulevard, assists women and their families through an unplanned pregnancy. According to executive director Carol Stout, the center has assisted 630 clients since its opening in January 2007.
Because the center operates entirely on donations and assistance from the community and not on government assistance, today’s event is vital.
“This is a very important event especially this year with the economy,” said Stout. “We’ve had many people call and say, ‘We can no longer support the center at this time.'”
The silent auction offers residents a chance to bid on fishing trips, photography packages, works of art, gift certificates and more.
People can also become a gold sponsor for a $7,500 annual contribution, $3,500 to $7,000 annual contribution for blue and $500 to $3,000 for pink.
First Choice is also asking for donations to fill bags at the event including diaper bags, baby lotion, washcloths, baby wipes, baby wash, hooded bath towels, newborn diapers and sponge bathtubs.
Walk-ins for today’s event are welcome, but organizers prefer residents RSVP by calling 242-4220.
For more information on the center, visit: www.firstchoicepartners.org.