THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 12, 1996 TAG: 9609110232
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 74 lines
The Suffolk extension of the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Tidewater will take to the greens on Sept. 24 with its second annual benefit golf tournament at Suffolk Golf Course.
Tee time is 8 a.m. for the two-man captain's choice tournament. Entry fee of $40 a person includes green fees, carts, snacks, goodie bags and lunch. Prizes include a first place, $200 gift certificate.
Proceeds will benefit Suffolk's Crisis Pregnancy Center, a ministry offering life-affirming choices to women in crisis pregnancies.
Director Betty Sprague of the Suffolk center said last year's tournament was a great success. ``The golfers had a wonderful time, we had a gorgeous day, and needed funds were raised for a worthy cause,'' she said. The 1995 tournament brought in more than $5,000.
Sprague noted that every year since opening, Suffolk's center has served increasing numbers of clients. ``Of course with an increase in clients, there's also a growing need for more layettes, more volunteers and more funds,'' she said.
The area's first center opened in Virginia Beach in 1985. Then, in November 1988, Suffolk's center began with director Patty Blanchard. In October 1993, another satellite center opened at 5000 Portsmouth Blvd. to serve Portsmouth and Chesapeake.
CPC's executive director, Dr. Tim Norton, said the total annual operating budget for the region's centers is $223,000. Norton estimates that it costs $150 for the services offered free to clients.
Since January, the Suffolk center has served 85 clients, a mix of races and ages, with the majority ranging between 20 and 24 years old.
``Our clients are so grateful and thankful for the help and counsel they receive from us,'' Sprague said. ``I can think of so many who wouldn't have much help or support without us.''
She added, ``Most gratifying to me are the people who say that CPC has helped them change their lifestyle. Many say, `This experience has caused me to change the way I think and the way I am living.' ''
CPC offers strong pro-life and abstinence-before-marriage messages: ``First, spiritual counsel - helping clients determine their relationship to God; second, goals for life - what they want for themselves and their children; third, abstinence - encouraging this lifestyle change for those who are single.''
Sprague and staff cited the community network that undergirds the Suffolk center, including the Suffolk Health Department, Family Services and the Suffolk Homeless Shelter.
Other volunteer organizations such as the Isle of Wight Chapter of the Virginia Society for Human Life and the College of William and Mary's Alternatives to Abortion often provide baby furniture, clothing and other supplies. And the financial and prayer support of local churches and individuals has been a lifeline for the center since 1988. MEMO: Services offered by The Suffolk extension of the Crisis Pregnancy
Center of Tidewater include pregnancy testing, counseling, education,
literature, video, speakers and seminars, help with post abortion
trauma, ``I'm Worth Waiting For'' (abstinence-based look at sexual
issues), single mothers support group (3:30 p.m. Wednesdays), volunteer
training and referrals (financial aid, medical, housing, adoption,
clothing and equipment). ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Betty Sprague says last year's tournament brought in more than
$5,000 for the Crisis Pregnancy Center.
Graphic
AT A GLANCE
What: Benefit golf tournament
When: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 8 a.m.
Where: Suffolk Golf Course
To register: Call Charlie or Patty Blanchard: 484-6639, or pick
up forms Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the center, 230 N.
Main St.
Tidewater CPC Hotline: (757) 499-4444. by CNB