SCHERERVILLE – Luxury Bingo is a one-of-a-kind event, exclusively hosted by Women’s Care Center. It’s not an auction or a guest speaker – but a night where attendees play bingo for high-end prizes. The best part … it's all to benefit the Women’s Care Center, the largest pregnancy resource center in Northwest Indiana.
“The main goal is to raise money for the local Women’s Care Center so we can continue to provide counseling, ultrasounds and pregnancy tests,” said Annie Barnett, Women’s Care Center Outreach Director-NW Indiana.
Barnett said it also helps to raise awareness of its life-saving mission and stated that 89% of funds raised go directly to care for the women and babies. She added that they also like the donors to have a fun night.
Local residents gathered on Oct. 23 at the Halls of St. George in Schererville to play the game of chance while spending time with friends and partaking in the available cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Among those participating in the evening activity were members of the Diocese of Gary who showed their support for the Women’s Care Center.
Renee Long, chancery assistant for the diocese, was asked to attend the bingo event by a coworker. While the activity wasn’t initially on her radar to go, she stated, she was glad she went. She was happy to support the nonprofit in Merrillville.
“I was told there would be some babies that I could hold,” she said jokingly. “At the end, I did go up to the mom who was highlighted in a video and congratulated her on her beautiful baby. He was awake, and I shook his little hand and he smiled at me.”
Long noted that there appears to be more of a need than she was previously aware of. She said that the WCC is obviously a great resource for women who find themselves in a situation and don’t know which way to turn. Not only does WCC support them through the pregnancy, but they also help them after the pregnancy in many ways.
“God bless the people who take this kind of ministry on,” Long said. “Who else would people have to turn to for help? Most times, teens are very reluctant to tell/share their experiences with their parents or peers. This seems to be a win/win situation.”
Tribunal auditor Teri Kopil attended because she believes it is important that employees of the Women’s Care Center be recognized for their hard work and see a visible sign of support from the community.
“They need to know that their work is appreciated and valued,” she said.
Kopil acknowledged that as a Church, the faithful are challenged by God to promote the sanctity of life and to advocate for those lives whose voices, for whatever reason, are not heard. She feels it is a responsibility not only limited to words, but action.
“In Northwest Indiana and in areas where the economy has made it difficult to financially support a family, it is critical that women know that there are places where they can turn to for help before making such an important decision,” Kopil said.
The Women’s Care Center offers support for women who may be struggling to find the courage, in often difficult circumstances, to choose to continue with their pregnancy. The center provides practical help in the form of free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests and information regarding abortion.
“Our donors are truly the heroes of the Women's Care Center by providing funds and goods that allow us to positively impact hundreds of families in our area, allowing them to choose life,” Barnett said. “They are transforming lives and shaping the next generation by their generous support.”
The Women’s Care Center has locations within the diocese: 8500 Broadway, Suite B, Merrillville, (219) 472-8059, 6919 Indianapolis Boulevard in Hammond, (219) 554-1774, and 824 Lincolnway in LaPorte, (219) 324-4646. For more information, visit https://www.womenscarecenter.org/
Book Drive
The Women's Care Center in Merrillville is currently conducting a book drive for babies and toddlers (up to 5 years). The drive will provide free books for young families. New and gently used books will be accepted. Diapers are always appreciated, too. Donations can be dropped off at the Women’s Care Center, 8500 Broadway in Merrillville, or arrangements can be made for items to be picked up.
