Dr. Alveda King, niece of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., spoke Thursday at the Ann’s New Life Center for Women fundraiser dinner at First United Methodist Church of Pell City.
Approximately 200 people attended the dinner.
Dr. King spoke about her uncle, M.L. King and her father, A.D. King, both killed in the heat of the civil rights movement.
She also spoke about how important forgiveness was in her life because it has brought joy and peace to her.
And, she spoke of the importance crisis pregnancy clinics play in a community and the necessity of community support.
Dr. King said Thursday that one in three pregnancies are teen pregnancies.
The fundraiser dinner began with the National Anthem sung by Leah Robinson of Rocky Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
Rev. Paul Lett, Minister of Harvest Center, led those in attendance in prayer and in remembrance of those lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
Sharon Bond played the keyboard as guests dined courtesy of the Brian Poteracki family of America's Best Value Inn.
Severs for the evening were members of the Pell City High School Interact Club and teens from various church youth groups in the area.
Ronnie Bruce was the master of ceremonies.
The new director of Ann's New Life Center for Women, Dani Christopherson, was introduced at the dinner.
Christopherson talked about the need for more volunteers so the non-profit center can extend its hours.
ANLC is currently open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Women who think they are pregnant may visit the center for a free pregnancy test. While there, they may sign up for free “Earn While You Learn” classes.
ANLC is at 3440 Martin Street S., Suite 1, in Cropwell. The center’s phone number is 205-338-4580.
Robert Lewis, president of the board for ANLC, said at Thursday’s dinner that there is a need for support of the local program, and that each member of the community could show support whether by prayer, volunteering or monetary donations.
Msgr. Michael Sexton of Our Lady of the Lake led the closing prayer and benediction.