One hundred babies.

That’s how many lives the Women’s Care Center in Peoria has been able to spare by offering loving care and support to mothers in crisis pregnancies — and it hasn’t even been open a full year yet.

To make certain that ministry to families like these can continue, a Commitment to Life Dinner is being planned for Saturday, May 10, at the Spalding Pastoral Center, 419 N.E. Madison Ave., in Peoria. Wine and appetizers at 5:30 p.m. will be followed by the dinner and a program.

“The auction and fundraising portion of the evening is to pay our operating expenses, but will not be used for salaries,” said Christine Dennis, president of the Women’s Care Center board. “Education is our number one expense.”

That includes a wide variety of classes on parenting, self-sufficiency, finances and even cooking. By attending classes the expectant mothers and fathers can earn coupons to be used in the center’s Crib Club, which offers formula, baby wipes, baby food and other supplies, in addition to new cribs, mattresses and car seats.

During the Commitment to Life Dinner, people will also have an opportunity to sponsor a mother during her pregnancy, Dennis said. Proceeds will help the Women’s Care Center to offer bus passes and help with other transportation costs, too.

The Women’s Care Center opened its doors on May 16, 2013, at 7319 N. University St. — next door to an abortion clinic, National Health Care Inc. In that time director Jody Pitcher and her small staff have assisted 330 women, providing free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, as well as counseling.

“There is no screening process, just love and care,” Dennis said.
Tickets for the Commitment to Life Dinner are $100 per person and reservations are due by May 5. The names of those attending and checks made payable to Women’s Care Center Peoria may be sent to Women’s Care Center, 7319 N. University, Peoria, IL 61614.

For more information, call (309) 689-0200 or send email to wccpeoria@gmail.com.