Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Centers (SMPCC) in Franklin and Sylva are hosting a fundraising banquet as one way the community can support their efforts.
The banquet takes place Sept. 12 at Franklin Covenant Church, and the event includes a silent auction, a keynote speaker, and a meal. The theme for the banquet is “Come Grow with Us.”
“We love hosting the annual banquet as it allows our supporters, and those who may want to support our ministry in the future, an opportunity to hear firsthand how we’ve made a difference in our clients’ lives,” said Executive Director Jenny Golding. “We also can share our plans for future endeavors and let everyone know how they can be involved in this important ministry.”
Author, sports writer, humorist, and one-time professional golfer Kirk Walden is the keynote speaker. Walden has served the pregnancy help community for more than 20 years.
History of empathy
When a newborn was found dead at the landfill in Franklin in 2000, many people in the community as well as first responders said “never again!” The tragedy prompted officials to implement for Safe Surrender Infants laws. Then Macon County Sheriff Robert Holland advocated in Raleigh for changes on the state law that would allow a mother to safely surrender their child without fear of prosecution. Because of Holland’s efforts, the Infant Homicide Prevention Act was passed in 2001.
SMPCC’s mission has always been to support desperate mothers-to-be long before any decisions are made.
Board member Valerie Niskanen explained that individuals in Macon and Jackson counties came together during that time to provide comforting, service-oriented facilities that would minister to the needs of desperate mothers. Initially, SMPCC offered help and support without a medical component; but then in 2004, the organization became a true medical clinic, offering the care of registered nurses and a medical director.
Currently, SMPCC offers two clinics, one in Franklin and one in Sylva, as well as a mobile medical unit that travels the distance ranging from Buncombe County to Murphy, with services provided free of charge.
Besides ultrasounds, pregnancy testing, maternity and baby clothing, counseling, parenting education, life skills, and everything needed to care for a baby, women who walk through the doors of SMPCC are shown compassion.
“The staff is incredible,” said Niskanen. “I’m in awe of what they do and how loving and respectful they are toward the women who are in need. They have such wonderful stories about hope.”
SMPCC operates with a staff of 11 full and part-time workers and 26 volunteers. It is overseen by an 11-member board. Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks.
At the Sept. 12 banquet and fundraiser, doors open at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. To register, call (828)349-3200. Or, visit www.smpcc.org or www.smokypartners.com. Inquiries may also be made about how to become an underwriter or a table host of the event.
