Over five hundred friends of the Foundations of Life Pregnancy Center program celebrated LIFE together at the annual Gala and Silent Auction. The celebratory fundraiser was held at Higgins Hall on the campus of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Tampa on a beautiful November evening. The evening offered great food and drinks catered by The Family, a silent auction of over 130 items donated by friends and supporters of Catholic Charities, and several raffles.
The audience captivated by Dr. Lile
Monsignor Morris, Vicar General of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, opened the evening with prayer. The evening’s speakers featured an address by the Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, attending his first Foundations of Life Gala. Bishop Parkes was followed by Rose Llauget, Director, Pregnancy and Adoption Services.
Dr. Lile spoke with passion and conviction
The keynote address was given by Dr. William Lile, the ProLifeDoc as he is known, of Pensacola, Florida. Dr. Lile, a husband and a father of two daughters, board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, was moved in 1999 to purchase the largest abortion center in Pensacola. On day one he ended all abortions and has strongly advocated for life ever since. His mission is to use the visual technology of modern obstetrics to reveal the person-hood of unborn babies (the Pre-Born) threatened by abortion. He also shares the message of healing and forgiveness only available through Jesus Christ. You can learn more about Dr. Lile’s work at: www.prolifedoc.org.
Finally, we were blessed to introduce a young family. The father and mother chose life after working with Jeanne Whitely, the Spring Hill (Hernando County) pregnancy center manager, and her team. As a result Jeanne was able to introduce the parents and their beautiful infant daughter, Isabella. Isabella and her parents were acknowledged with a standing ovation! We are forever grateful that this family chose life and now have a beautiful little daughter. Praise God!
Baby Isabella lovingly held by Bishop Parkes
We especially thank Bishop Parkes for his attendance and incredible support of our prolife ministries! This year’s event raised over $150,000 to support our mission of respectfully, lovingly, and confidentially helping women who are facing unplanned pregnancies, regardless of their age, race or religion, choose life for their babies and develop a balanced life for themselves and their child.
