In lieu of an in-person event, Chester County Women's Services (CCWS), a local nonprofit pregnancy care medical center, is holding a virtual fundraising banquet. The banquet, titled "Celebration of Life," premiered on May 3, with more than 25 virtual party hosts holding watch parties in their homes. The goal is to raise $165,000 by Monday, May 31.
Following a slideshow that details the programs and services offered by CCWS, a 20-minute presentation is featured, which includes comments by board members Amy Cudd and Dr. Aaron Chambers along with Myriam Ruager, CCWS executive director. "Our philosophy is, 'Love them both - mom and baby,'" said Ruager. "We are committed to support the life of the families we serve throughout their entire journey in parenthood."
The presentation also included three client testimonies of two mothers and one father who received services at CCWS.
In addition to offering pregnancy tests and limited ultrasounds, CCWS hosts childbirth classes, parenting classes and virtual Bible studies. Clients may also receive referrals to organizations such as homeless prevention and food assistance programs.
Clients who attend car seat safety classes will receive a free car seat upon completion. Families can also use the points they earn from attending classes to "purchase" parenting essentials from the CCWS Parenting Boutique.
CCWS did not close its doors in 2020. Throughout the pandemic, CCWS gave away emergency parenting bags weekly. Each bag contained diapers, wipes, formula and other items that clients requested, such as laundry detergent. There were also three community-wide diaper giveaways in 2020 where anyone could receive free diapers and wipes, which were distributed at the CCWS Coatesville location in a drive-up format.
To view the virtual banquet and to learn about donation options, visit https://givebutter.com/ccws.
CCWS has been serving county residents as a pregnancy resource center since 1985. It has offices at 1028 E. Lincoln Highway in Coatesville, at 203 S. Walnut St. in Kennett Square and at 139 W. Market St. in West Chester.
For more information about CCWS, call 610-383-0930 or visit http://www.ccwsmedical.org or http://www.facebook.com/ccwsmedical.
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