On Thursday evening, October 10, friends and supporters of Options Pregnancy Clinic filled the Great Hall at the Chateau on the Lake for the organization’s annual banquet, a special time of celebration of lives saved and changed over the past year, along with commitment to funding support for the coming year.
The spirit of giving and community around the area was evident as elected officials, community and business leaders, faith and nonprofit leaders, and many other friends and volunteers enjoyed a delicious dinner and heard exciting testimonies. Following a welcome by emcee and Options Advisory Council member Jason Robinson, Options Board President Marty Whited and Executive Director Laura Fogle introduced other staff and board members and recognized the many volunteers who help the Branson and Forsyth locations provide valuable services for moms and dads in unexpected pregnancy circumstances, with their babies.
Options is in their 31st year of providing services; so far in 2024, 133 babies have been born with 80 more due during the remainder of 2024 and early 2025. In addition, over 2,000 students in schools across Taney and Stone County receive valuable abstinence education and health education through Options during the school year. Options also partners with other area nonprofits through referrals to help parents improve their lives through education and community resource services.
Options Clinic offers free, confidential consultations; ultrasound services and limited screening services with medical referrals; adoption referrals; abortion pill reversal; valuable parent education and mentoring through Options Prep U and Dad Prep U; and assistance with supplies and essentials with support continuing for the baby’s entire first year of life. As part of the banquet festivities, attendees saw videos featuring client families now enjoying a happy, healthy life with their child.
One testimonial featured a mom sharing that she considered abortion because she “didn’t want the child to suffer,” but was so glad she heard about Options and sought help. She said she was particularly impacted by the regular interaction with staff, who were always there to care and support her. “Every day, it’s a scripture or something you can really take with you,” she said. Following the testimonial, attendees were delighted to meet this beautiful mom in person as she walked onstage with her lovely children to enthusiastic applause.
Featured guest speaker for the evening was Mike G. Williams, who serves with his family in the Dominican Republic where they direct a mission reaching out to trafficked girls and feeding those living in garbage dumps. Although unexpected crisis pregnancies and comedy are not usually thought of together, Williams, who has recorded numerous comedy projects and authored 14 books, kept the audience laughing with his pithy comments about marriage, family, church, government and life in general, while making the point about the value of life by sharing his own personal adoption story and that of his son. All in attendance would definitely recommend checking out MikeWilliamsComedy.com or CupsMission.com.
Wrapping up the evening, attendees were given the opportunity to give a one-time gift or commit to a regular donation to help Options Clinic continue serving clients in Branson at 192 Expressway Lane, Suite 100; and in Forsyth at 10726 E. St. Hwy. 76, Suite F. If you missed the banquet, visit friendsofoptions.com to learn how you can help. There are also opportunities for businesses and individuals to help underwrite the annual banquet at various gift levels or help with other special events throughout the year. Who can possibly know the potential of each precious life that is saved!
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