ACME — Laura Carlton formerly volunteered at a pregnancy care center in Traverse City, where she counseled young pregnant women and served as a labor coach to some.
Years later, a woman recognized Carlton and approached her at a shopping mall to thank her for the counseling she had received — an experience the woman said kept her from having an abortion. Her 10-year-old son stood nearby.
The powerful moment overwhelmed Carlton.
"I cried," she said.
Carlton, of Traverse City, attended Wednesday's 23rd annual Focus on Life benefit dinner for the Grand Traverse Area Right to Life group. About 700 attended the $60-per-plate meal at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Acme.
"I love pregnant women. I think they're gorgeous. For me, I'm just so much for life," Carlton said.
The Rev. Mark Berlin and his wife, Linda, attended the anti-abortion event as a way to connect with those in their new community. The Berlins recently moved from Wisconsin to Lake Ann, and he will serve at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Interlochen.
"We're glad to be here at this event. Life is a gift and should be treated with dignity, respect and celebration," the Rev. Mark Berlin said.
His wife agreed.
"I believe in the right to life, that God is in control and gives life," she said.
Dr. Lynn Swan, president of the local Right to Life chapter, spoke at the event about how society needs hope and the best way to provide it is to help those who can't help themselves.
"When we stand up for the weakest and the most vulnerable in our society — the elderly, the very young, the embryo, those with special needs — we bestow hope and guard the incredible worth of every human being," Swan said.
The event's keynote speaker was David Bereit, national director for the 40 Days for Life anti-abortion campaign.
He described abortion as the leading cause of death in the United States and encouraged those at the dinner to commit to ending the practice.
"We have to recognize we in the United States are in the midst of a crisis. Abortion has become a plague," Bereit said.
The fundraising goal for the annual dinner was $100,000 for the state Right to Life campaign, to be used for anti-abortion education and outreach efforts, said Randy Royston, development coordinator for Right to Life of Michigan.
Visit www.gtartl.com, or call 946-9469 for more information or to make a donation.
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Related Photos
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Wayne and Heidi Mueller serve as the masters of ceremonies Wednesday during the Focus on Life annual benefit dinner at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Acme. Record-Eagle/Keith King
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David Bereit, 40 Days for Life national campaign director, speaks at Wednesday night's dinner. Record-Eagle/Keith King
Volunteer: 'I'm just so much for life'
Focus on Life benefit dinner honors gift of life
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