Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center of Chilton County collected nearly $15,000 at its 10th annual fundraising banquet Oct. 9 at Clanton First United Methodist Church.

About 160 people attended the event, which included live music, silent and live auctions and speakers.

Care Net is a non-profit organization that provides counseling and medical services to women affected by unplanned pregnancies.

Although donations and attendance were lower this year, Care Net Executive Director Susan Scott said the banquet was an overall success.

“It was an awesome banquet,” Scott said. “It’s an awesome ministry. I am privileged to serve here, and we just need everybody’s help to keep the doors open because it’s much needed in this county. Until people get their hands dirty, they don’t realize just how great the need is.”

Funds raised through the banquet help Care Net fulfill its mission of providing assistance, education and encouragement to women, men and youth regarding abstinence, pregnancy and post-abortion issues.

Care Net averages about 300 client visits each year.

Scott said besides the center’s power bill, funds could be used to pay for pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, training and post-abortion Bible study classes for women that are hurting and need to heal.

“We’re just keeping the doors open,” Scott said. “We’re planning to take a program called “Decisions, Choices and Options” into the schools this year. The program is heavily weighted in abstinence and the adoption option.

“We have presented to the student body before, but this program would probably go into Family and Consumer Science classes,” Scott said. “We’re hoping with the lower speaker-to-student ratio that it would be more effective.”

Scott said Chanel Bingham would lead the program.

“We would like to start in high schools and move into middle schools after we get our feet on the ground,” Scott said.

Funds Care Net collects include one-time donations, monthly donations and sales from the silent and live auctions.

Tommy Glasscock conducted the live auction.

The theme of the banquet was “Celebrate Life,” based on Bible verses from Job.

The center’s medical director, Dr. Matthew Phillips with OB/GYN Associates of Montgomery, spoke about women who are caught in hopeless situations and need rescue.

Kimberly Senske, Care Net’s nurse manager, gave her post-abortion testimony.

For entertainment, Hannah Ellison, daughter of Mike and Raynette Ellison, played the violin, and Lisa Abbott sang.

Care Net always accepts monetary donations.

To make a donation, call Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center of Chilton County at (205) 755-6767.

Donations can also be mailed to: 1622 Seventh St. N. #134, Clanton, AL 35045.