St. Teresa Thrift Store & Ministries guests seated at one of their title sponsor tables are from left to right: Jessica and Chad Kitchens, Cathy Signorello, Elina Bagdasarova (standing), Patty and Aric Polston, and Julie and Tommy Adams. COURTESY OF MIKE NOLAND
Second annual fundraiser sees 280 guests to support pregnancy care home
BY SYLANN SMITH, ST. GIANNA COMMUNICATIONS CHAIRPERSON
St. Gianna Crisis Pregnancy Home held its second annual fundraiser, An Evening in Italy, on May 10 at La Gala in Bowling Green to benefit the home. This year’s title sponsor was St. Teresa Thrift Store & Ministries. Gala attendees were able to mingle with former WKU football Coach Jack Harbaugh before the gala began. Coach Harbaugh entertained guests with his quick wit and humorous football stories from his years as a player. He and his wife, Jackie, were so impressed with St. Gianna’s, they made a substantial donation to the ministry.
Guests, totaling 280 people, enjoyed a festive Venetian-inspired evening featuring a silent auction, cocktails, appetizers, a delicious dinner, and a lively live auction—all to benefit a cause that’s changing lives in South Central Kentucky. They, along with various sponsors, helped make this year’s fundraiser an even bigger success than the year before. Those who couldn’t attend in person were still able to join the cause by purchasing a virtual ticket to participate in the silent auction online. Of our three live auction items, a guitar signed by Dolly Parton drew the most bidding activity. Goldsmith Jewelers graciously donated a beautiful diamond ring, and Southern Kentucky Outdoor Furniture provided a set of Adirondack chairs to round out the offerings.
The gala is St. Gianna’s largest annual fundraiser, helping to offset the $180,000 yearly cost of providing housing, essentials, and support to up to six women and their babies.
“The financial and volunteer support of the community is vital to giving the women a chance to get back on their feet and provide for their families in the future,” said Kathy Byrne, house chairperson of St. Gianna CPH.
Coach Harbaugh shared his passion for the cause, saying, “Success is not about riches and fame but about making a positive impact in the world.”
Founded in August 2024, St. Gianna Crisis Pregnancy Home offers safe housing and spiritual and practical support for pregnant women in crisis. Participants can stay through pregnancy and up to eight months post-delivery while caring for their baby. The home is currently serving four amazing women, two precious babies, and graduated another and her baby to independent living. In addition, St. Gianna CPH has connected over thirty-four others with vital community resources. Approval from the Diocese of Owensboro to house expectant mothers who have another child under the age of five years has been granted. This has opened our home’s door to women who were previously ineligible, including one of our new expectant moms and her precious little boy.
For details on the home or to volunteer, visit www.stgiannacph.org, follow on Instagram or Facebook @stgiannacph, or contact house chairpersons Kathy Byrne or Missy Monroe at (270) 702-4984 or [email protected]. Support women in need who have chosen life for their babies and help build stronger families right here in our community by visiting https://www.stgiannacph.org/donate.
