Sav-a-Life Troy will once again have a low-country boil and auction to raise money for the pregnancy resource center.

“This year the theme is Discover Hope, as we aim to encourage families faced with an unplanned pregnancy through the services and guidance provided by Sav-A-Life,” said Sirran Wilkes, community marketing director. “This year is going to be exciting. For dinner, we’ll be having a low country boil and some of the best cheese grits you’ll find. Our auction items are top notch — a hunting excursion, romantic getaways, and unique hard-to-find items. We have some great door prizes too. Get your ticket, bring your wallet, and help support Sav-A-Life.”

The annual event is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the organization, and said those funds are critical for the center’s success.

“We want the community to know we would like for them to partner with us in saving babies’ lives and sharing the gospel with everyone who walks through our door,” said Gwen Martin, president of Sav-A-Life’s Board of Directors. “Without them and our volunteers we wouldn’t exist. This is a village project; one or two or three cannot do this. This means we will be able to continue what we are currently doing and will hopefully add more opportunities for clients to come.”

Executive Director Jane Ward said the center saw over 1,200 people in 2018.

“We’re more or less a first stop in cases of unplanned pregnancies,” Ward said. “We get referrals from the health department and the hospital … We’ve established a presence in the community as a viable resource. We offer classes for parenting couples who may not be able to get parenting education anywhere else. They can come here and learn anything and everything there is to know about being pregnant, about having a baby and taking care of that baby, which is so important.”

And when the parents come to classes they are also earning essential items such as diapers and even car seats.

In 2018, the center performed 420 pregnancy tests, had 378 participants in Family Life Enrichment and Education classes, performed 40 ultrasounds in four months, presented 50 gospel presentations and had 16 professions of faith and re-dedications.

The dinner auction will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2019, at Park Memorial United Methodist Church in Troy. The keynote speaker will be Elaine Brown, associate pastor of Park Memorial UMC.

Businesses can still donate items or packages for the auction and there is still time for businesses to partner with Sav-a-Life for the auction.

Tickets are $25 per person or $40 for two. Tables are available for $200.

To get tickets or for more information, contact Jane Ward or Sirran Wilkes at 334-566-2880.