Nick and Whitney Runyon, founders of The Archibald Project, were guest speakers at the 5th annual Gathering of Hope banquet.

WARSAW — Heartline Pregnancy Center, Warsaw, held their 5th annual Gathering of Hope banquet Thursday, May 4, at Winona Heritage Room, Winona Lake.

Heartline Pregnancy Center is a non-profit organization that has served the Warsaw area since 1985. They provide encouragement, education and equipment to individuals facing an unplanned pregnancy. Heartline Pregnancy Center offers free pregnancy testing and free ultrasound services. All services are free and confidential. Funds brought in by the banquet each year play a significant role in financing Heartline.

The event was emceed by Dr. Bill Katip, president of Grace College & Seminary, Winona Lake. Katip stated, “We know that Heartline changes the lives of men, women and children in our community.”

Guest speakers were Nick and Whitney Runyon, founders of The Archibald Project, a charitable orphan care organization. The Runyons tell stories to educate people about the orphan crisis and ethical adoption. They hope to inspire new families to become foster parents, eliminate fears about orphan care and give struggling parents hope.

According to Alyssa Lowe, president of Heartline Board of Directors, “Heartline is not just a place where a woman can confirm whether or not she is pregnant and where they can see their baby on an ultrasound. The Heartline staff provide the physical and emotional support that often a woman is not receiving from family and friends.” Lowe stressed they want their clients to know they don’t have to face their situation alone.

Recognizing that this may be a stressful or difficult time in their lives, Heartline strives to provide a place where their clients can talk about their situation, get needed information and make an informed decision.

Dave Koontz, director of Kosciusko County Right for Life, said, “I’ve seen the commitment from the staff and volunteers at Heartline. They are making a difference in the lives of men, women and children.” Koontz stated that approximately $30,000 was raised to help fund Heartline at last year’s Gathering of Hope banquet, adding that he hoped attendees who donated at last year’s event would consider renewing their pledge.