Beautiful Day for An Outstanding 40th Anniversary Event!

First Way's 40th Anniversary Celebration Fundraiser, this past Sunday afternoon at River's Edge Events, was a wonderful experience for over 160 guests who attended. The music was beautiful. A string trio opened and was followed by The Poodle Creek Pickers, which played bluegrass music. His eminence, Archbishop Alexander Sample, said our Invocation.

Denise Cocciolone, founder of 1st Way's parent organization, The National Life Center, gave a powerful speech. Our director, Terry Ianora, talked about 1st Way's forty year history and about our hopeful future, bringing a mobile pregnancy clinic right to the places we are most likely to reach women- shopping centers, across from schools, abortion clinics and public parks.

Next, Angela Fellon, one of 1st Way's clients, told her story about how when she was feeling pressured  into abortion, we at 1st Way became her friends, allies in helping her find all the resources and support she needed to keep her child. We continue to help her with things she needs, such as clothing. toys and diapers. Happy today with two children now, Angela glowed as she talked with gratitude to 1st Way for helping her make the best decision of her life- to give birth to her baby.

Angela's talk was followed by Rick Dancer, a journalist, politician and a twenty year anchor for KEZI television in Eugene. Rick gave a rousing talk and generated great enthusiasm from the crowd with both his humor and poignant stories. Pastor Steve Miller of Newsong Church (and longtime board member of 1st Way) gave our closing prayer. 

We're a few steps closer to getting our mobile pregnancy unit, thanks be to God. We're so thankful for all who attended, volunteered and took part in making our event such a great success.

(Photo above is of the Poodle Creek Pickers.)