The Society for the Innocents, a faith-based nonprofit organization, will host its first ever fundraiser Voices of the Innocents Banquet Thursday, May 14, and is inviting the community to support giving hope a home.
The fundraising efforts will support the nonprofit’s maternity home project called St. Anne’s House.
The nonprofit offers hope to expectant mothers in crisis, helps through long-term support and care, and healing through sacred remembrance of unborn lives, according to its website.
The Society for the Innocents Executive Director John Staud explained that the inspiration behind nonprofit and the vision for St. Anne House comes from a clear need he sees in the community and beyond.
“Pregnancy resource centers are doing a fantastic job serving the vast majority of women facing unexpected pregnancies. But there remain some women who need more than those centers can provide— particularly those who have no safe place to live,” Staud said.
“I was motivated to help fill that gap by creating something tangible: a maternity home where expecting mothers can find not only support, but also stability, safety, and hope. St. Anne’s House will provide not just a roof, but also life-skills training, employment support, and spiritual formation to help women build a strong and independent future. The home is designed specifically for expecting mothers, allowing us to focus our resources on providing a structured and supportive environment during this critical time.”
The proceeds from the banquet will help the nonprofit take the next steps toward opening St. Anne’s House - preparing the facility and building the resources needed to serve women with dignity and care.
“Our goal is to create a place where each mother is supported and equipped to move forward with confidence,” he said.
The event will begin at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 14 at Cottonwood Church. The church is located at 273 CR 527.
The social hour will begin at 5 p.m. and the dinner and program will be held at 6 p.m.
Tickets are $75 per person, and include the social hour which will feature hors d’oeuvres and dinner.
Virtual guest tickets are available for $50, and you will receive exclusive access to a live stream of the evening’s program, including the guest speaker, Carol Everett.
Tables of eight are available for $500.
Along with Staud, the nonprofit’s board includes President Cliff Sims, Secretary Bobbie Nichols, Treasurer Sarah Brennand and board members Bo Kabala and Jayla Grimland. To purchase tickets for the event, scan the QR code on page A15, call 254-454-5499 for more information or email events@tsfti.net.