Colleen Robinson (left) and Grace Wilson escorting Helen Gossard back to her seat after recognizing her vision to start Sparrow's Vine Pregnancy Resource Center 10 years ago.
The dessert table was full of delectable treats donated by local residents. The traditional dessert dash gave each table the opportunity to pick their favorite creation. However they had to put more money in the envelope at their table to be the first to choose.
Helen's Library is a take-one, leave-one library made out of sanded and stained crates and loaded with children's books of all sorts. Sparrow's Vine Executive Director Tera Wold said, "It fills my heart to know that when the kiddos pick out a book and bring it home, it encourages family bonding, learning and a good bedtime routine."
The hand-crafted table decorations welcomed guests to the banquet themed "Wonderfully Made."
SEELEY LAKE – Everything from the table décor and the auction items, to the meal and desserts exemplified the theme “Wonderfully Made.” But it isn’t the ‘stuff’ that Sparrow’s Vine Pregnancy Resource Center highlighted at their 10th annual banquet Thursday, Oct. 4, it was the heart and love of God to change families lives when they welcome the most wonderfully made of all, their new child.
Prior to enjoying the meal catered by Moose River and keynote speaker Dan Kulp, Sparrow’s Vine honored Helen Gossard, the one whom Sparrow’s Vine Board of Directors credit as the founder.
In 2008 Gossard had a vision for a pregnancy center in Seeley Lake where women and families could find hope and help during their time of need. Her idea became reality as she worked with Seeley Lake resident Colleen Robinson and others.
“She not only envisioned the need but also served on the very first board of directors during the months of planning,” said Robinson.
Robinson helped start the Billings Crisis Pregnancy Center in 1990. Gossard was quick to credit Robinson for experience and expertise for getting Sparrow’s Vine off the ground.
“I didn’t really do it, Colleen did it. I just said I’d like to start it,” said Gossard. “God just gave me the idea in my head. I guess it had to start some place.”
Sparrow’s Vine was established as a non-profit 501c3 organization Oct. 8, 2008. With community fundraisers, Sparrow’s Vine appointed Janeen Mauldin as executive director and established the center in 2010. The center was complete with waiting room, front office, material needs boutique, two client mentoring rooms and room for ongoing education. An elected board of community members and volunteers oversaw the organization.
“Helen was committed to the task of seeing the center open and functioning in Seeley Lake,” said Robinson. “At that time Helen was 74 years old.”
On behalf of the board of directors, Robinson presented Gossard a gift basket and flowers and recognized her for her vision 10 years ago. She added that Gossard exemplifies the faith highlighted in Hebrews 11:1, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
They also dedicated the Take One, Leave One library at Sparrow’s Vine Center to Gossard naming it “Helen’s Library.”
The rest of the evening was a celebration of Sparrow’s Vine’s mission and achievements. This year Sparrow’s Vine officially became a Care Net Affiliate. They maintained all of its services to pregnant women, families and parents and participated in various outreach events.
Executive Director Tera Wold announced that this year she is looking forward to partnering with area churches to create a teen outreach program to encourage appropriate relationships and promote abstinence.
Wold was grateful for Duane and Debbie Anderson for answering the need for bringing in speaker Dan Kulp, the board of directors for their support and guidance, Jason Wold for doing “a spectacular job” with the live auction, Moose River for the delicious food and everyone who attended the banquet. They raised more than $14,000 through the dessert dash, silent and live auctions and monthly pledges.
“I fills my heart with so much love and that love trickles down through the Center and to my clients,” said Wold. “Sparrow’s Vine has been giving a helping hand up for a decade. Here’s to another decade of God’s work through mentorship, helping hands, providing support and loving unconditionally.”
Reader Comments(0)