Photograph: Guests arrived dressed to impress for the annual Be The Spark Gala benefiting the Opelousas Pregnancy Center on Saturday evening. (Photograph by Freddie Herpin.)
Spirits were high and the mood was light and fun as community members poured in at the First Baptist Church of Opelousas and engaged in friendly conversation just before the formal introduction.
It was a packed house as the event sold out tickets just days before the event! Guests were welcomed with hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction as they walked in.
Keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Peter Johnston delivered an emotional testimony of his life as a survivor of abortion. Rev. Dr. Peter is an Angelican Pastor and father of 7 who shares stories from the front lines on the college campus, the media, the church and the home.
In his speech he delivered the significant impact pregnancy centers like the Opelousas Pregnancy Center have on its community to support pregnant mothers and their babies for abundant life.
The talented Shawn and Anne-Kathryn Johnston provided the entertainment with their voices as the duo sang while guests dined on a delicious meal catered by Big Hill Cafe @ Brent’s.
Director of Operations, April Sharp revealed the new location for Opelousas Pregnancy Center. The center is currently located at 414 South Main Street, a location that has been generously rented out to the organization at an affordable rate. With the growth and expansion plans for Opelousas Pregnancy Center, however, they have successfully acquired a new permanent location in the former CASA building. The new location will offer more spacious rooms for the center to accommodate expecting mothers.
The center provides support and services to mothers and their babies including free pregnancy tests, free ultrasounds, free maternity mentoring, a free baby boutique and a great support system to help them through their journey and overcome the uncertainties they may face.
The Gala is one of the main fundraisers for the center to bring in much-needed funding. Proceeds raised from the Gala and auction will enable the center to remain the place in St. Landry Parish where life is chosen and lives are forever changed.
One way you can make a lasting impact is by making a contribution or volunteer to assist the work of OPC. Use the link to donate:
https://bit.ly/OPCGala2023
