HONOR … Julie Hagen, who recently stepped away from a 25+ career with CPC due to illness, was honored for her long-time dedication to the CPC ministry. (PHOTO PROVIDED)
By: Amy Wendt
On Tuesday, April 18, the CPC Women’s Health Resource 37th Annual Spring Benefit and Silent Auction was held at Archbold High School.
The fundraising event, which was open to the public and free of charge, began at 5:30 pm. Guests were treated to an assortment of Hors d’oeuvres while they visited with one another.
Also, at 5:30 pm, the Silent Auction tables filled with generous donations from various businesses and individuals opened for bids.
At 7:00 pm, guests made their way into the school’s auditorium for the informative presentation.
Guests were welcomed by Board Chair, Dr. Timothy Hogan and he offered an opening prayer.
CPC Director, Mark Pitman, shared with the audience a brief overview of CPC and took the opportunity to thank the organization’s supporters.
“This is the work that many people are a part of. Moreover, your part of that is just as significant and just as important as anybody else’s.”
“Because the ongoing nature of volunteering, and praying, and giving, and just encouraging the things that we do, is just as an important piece.”
Pitman made special note that the organization recently lost one of its most dedicated staff members of over 25 years, Julie Hagen, due to illness.
Before she departed from the CPC, Hagen had served as RN Sonographer and Office Manager for the Napoleon CPC location.
“You cannot think of the CPC without thinking of Julie Hagen. Literally, there are so many people alive in Northwest Ohio because of Julie Hagen, humanly speaking, in light of the whole function of the work that she’s done nursing for so many people.”
A short video was shown featuring insights into Julie’s long-time dedication to the CPC ministry and the caring service that she provided to clients for many years.
Lydia Rupp, Defiance CPC Office Manager took the stage and shared touching stories about the positive impact Hagens had on a couple of young mothers in particular.
“It has been a privilege and joy to have worked with Julie over the past few years,” Rupp noted.
Following Rupp’s presentation, Client Advocate, Garrett Atkins shared insight with the audience about sexually transmitted infections (STI) and the clinic’s STI/STD testing services.
Keynote Speaker Seth Drayer, Vice President of Created Equal, based out of Columbus, Ohio was on hand to share with guests current pro-life issues and challenges.
After the presentation, the Silent Auction and Drawing Prize Winners were announced by Pitman.
Before sending guests home, the Board Treasurer Dave Reiser offered a closing prayer.
CPC Womens Health Resource’s mission is to create a faith-based safe and confidential place while equipping women, men, and families dealing with a wide range of life events in a judgment-free environment.
Proceeds from the annual fundraiser benefit the area CPC clinics located in Northwest Ohio including their Bryan and Wauseon locations and allow them to offer their services including free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STI testing, and parenting classes.
For more information about obtaining services or supporting CPC Women’s Health Resource, check out their website at https://cpcnwo.org.
Amy can be reached at amy@thevillagereporter.com