Ladies’ Luncheon Raises Funds and Awareness

Alpha Family Center held their annual Ladies’ Luncheon on March 16.  It was an opportunity for women to gather and hear updates on the center, listen to speakers, and help raise money.  A total of 65 people attended the event.   

 

 

 

 

 

Shhh…We’re Bidding Here

The two-hour event was not only about eating and listening to people talk.  In the hallway leading into City Council Chambers, where the meal was held, tables were set up with numerous items which were donated by businesses and individuals in the community.  

Shopping with a splash of competitiveness to be the one with the highest bid?  Some might say it’s a woman’s dream.  A silent auction took place and funds raised went directly to the center’s efforts in the community.  And there seemed to be some friendly competition with bidding for some items.  Christa Wetzel, Executive Director of Alpha Family Center reminded guests of the ending time for viewing and bidding upon the available items.  When she forgot to give a two-minute warning leading up to the close of the auction eyes became wide.  She relented and had a countdown as she stood at a podium.  During this time a flurry of women got up to check their position in the silent auction.  Bids were seen so if an individual had knowledge of what was needed to outbid the current winner.  

Once those who wanted to make sure they remained in the lead with their bid returned to their seats Wetzel introduced the first speaker.  Behind the scenes event volunteers determined a winner for each item.  

Robin Morehouse and Christa Wetzel speak during the luncheon.

Beautiful

The first speaker to be introduced was Robin Morehouse.   She is the women’s ministry leader at Impact Church and spoke on the topic “Beautiful”.  In a room filled with women it was a good reminder of how to be beautiful and see it in others.  During her speech Morehouse used diamonds as analogy.  “It’s existence begins in a dark, cold and compressed state. It’s really formed because of those circumstances, but because it has value, worth, and meaning, we are willing to go to the depths to unearth it’s beauty.” she says.  The subject “Beautiful” was selected to highlight how every life has beauty to share with others.

Through her own ministry Morehouse has come across single mothers, pregnant teenagers, and families in need.  She says she feels confident using Alpha Family Center as a recommendation.  She commends the center’s service to the community saying, “Christa and her team are there for one purpose and that’s to offer hope and practical assistance. The care is exceptional, professional, and tender.”  

Morehouse leads a monthly women’s group at Impact Church called The Gathering the third Tuesday of every month.  Each month there is a different topic.  Robin also has her own website where you can follow what she is doing in her life and in the community.

Cradles of Grace

Carol Lubs, founder of Cradles of Grace, was the second speaker.  Her organization has five locations, hosted by churches, around the Grand Rapids area.  She works with local churches to provide support, encouragement, information, and mentoring to single moms and single women who are pregnant.  She and her volunteers work with pregnant women offering guidance on becoming a parent versus adoption.  Once a week each location offers  dinner, fellowship, and childcare to those they service.  

Lubs is looking to open a new location in Lowell and has been talking with local churches where her program can be offered.  She has been working with Wetzel in the fall after the two met at a Single Parent Collaborative meeting.  Lubs views her organization as an extension of Alpha Family Center saying, “Our desire is to have single moms have a close walk with Christ and be disciple by the volunteers of the church so that church becomes a welcoming, equipping, and safe place for single moms.  Cradles of Grace is an equipping ministry to the church and pregnancy center to give them a vehicle to reach and disciple single moms.”  The only criteria for receiving services from the organization is being a single mom.  Alpha Family Center typically helps families until children are ready for kindergarten so the two organizations are a good fit to work together.  

Center Update

Finally, Christa Wetzel spoke about what has happened at the center in the last year.  In an article last summer about their name change from Alpha Women’s Center to Alpha Family Center new services were offered in addition to enhancing existing resources.  The name change has helped more families and dads come in seeking information.  Since August when the center started offering free ultrasounds 13 have been performed.  Also a total of 20 pregnancy tests have been administered.  Wetzel also reviewed the various services offered to those in need.  

Prior to departing with a full stomach and an important message the results of the auction items were announced.  And the winner is… Alpha Family Center!  A total of $2,708.00 was raised.  But those with winning bids were the ones who made it happen.  The most popular item available was a sunset cruise.  “Everyone is looking forward to time on Lake Michigan.” said Wetzel of its popularity.  She also donated the painting of the Showboat she created at the Lowell Area Fire Department’s fundraiser  

Coming Soon

The next fundraising event for the center is the LifeRun/Walk.  They have a goal of raising $10,000 by Saturday, June 3, 2017.  Information about the event and how you can donate can be found online.  Following closely behind is a yard sale to benefit the center.  Mark your calendar for July 27-29.  Items can be dropped off at First Baptist Church in Lowell Monday through Wednesday of that week.  Volunteers are also needed to help sort on those days.  

If you’re interested in additional information about services offered at the Alpha Family Center, how you can become a volunteer, or what donation items are needed their website has all of the information.   

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