LifeCare Hosts Spring Tea Fundraiser

There were teddy bears, poodle skirts and western- themed tables in abundance at the Ladies’ Spring Tea Fundraiser for LifeCare of Brandon last Saturday. Gathered in the Bell Shoals Baptist Church social hall to have tea, sandwiches and petite desserts were 51 tables with approximately nine women at each table.

Opening up the time of fellowship and fundraising was Abby Brundage, "The Big House Morning Show" host on Spirit FM. Brundage said she has a special heart for LifeCare, even more now than in the past since she is three months pregnant.

Cookie Gray, president and founder, and Karen Brooks, executive director, shared a few words of encouragement and thankfulness for all in attendance.  Gray mentioned that the ministry was founded more than 20 years ago “because there was a need in the community, especially with our teens.”   

During the morning introductory, congratulatory bouquets were handed out to volunteers who have helped immensely with fundraising and setting up the tea. This year’s organizer, Ann Nicholson, was among those thanked by Gray and Brooks. 

Music was shared by the First Baptist Church of Brandon trio, Ellen Lynch, Ellen Kergosien and Kelle Chancellor, as the guests talked and ate.

Brooks was again at the podium to share the mission and ministry of LifeCare. This year’s theme, Together for Hope, was inspired by the Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11, which says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

The ministry, said Brooks, has helped more than 100 women choose life or adoption this year.  Among them was LifeCare client Vanessa Laster, who shared her story of choosing adoption for her child. Laster has two other children, but decided early on that a third child was not in her future.  She sought help from LifeCare and chose to use adoption for her unborn child. 

“This is still a fresh wound for Vanessa,” mentioned Brooks, “so she is choosing not to speak about it but share the adoption video.”

If this story did not tug on your heart strings enough, Beverly Walker, wife of senior pastor Denny Walker of The Crossings Church, shared her struggle after losing her oldest daughter, Andrea, in a car accident.

Walker shared a message of hope and life and how she “chose life when for the first time, in over a year, she painted her nails.”  After losing a child, it can be very difficult to have hope and want your life to continue on, said Walker. However, Walker said she has slowly learned to do that daily.

Walker shared a story of a newly planted tree in their neighborhood that she and her two girls would pass on the way to school each morning. They used to watch the tree bloom each year. 

“Just like the tree on the way to school we used to watch, He restored our hearts,” shared Walker.  Her heartfelt account moved many women in the room to tears.

There are many ways, outside of the four fundraisers LifeCare has, that individuals in the community can help support this ministry.  Donations are always needed to help these women get started on the path to a blessed union with their newborn. The baby boutique is in need of diapers (in all sizes), wipes, baby furniture of all kinds, bedding and linens, clothing for the baby and maternity clothes for mommy. 

If you were not able to attend the Spring Tea Fundraiser, you still have three opportunities to support the ministry this year.  The golf tournament and annual gala are yet to take place.  Keep watching your local Patch for more details as the dates get closer.