Co-organizers of Bluegrass on Beshear, Laura and Jeff Smith are thrilled with the record-breaking amount of funds raised at this year’s “Pickin’ Life” event that was held on Saturday, October 8th.
Laura tells the News Edge this was the 9th year for the event that will surpass their expected goal for 2022 which will be equally distributed to three pregnancy care centers.
click to download audioHer husband Jeff also shared some good news. In addition to the funds raised through sponsorships, food and merchandise sales, the Knights of Columbus headquartered in Connecticut will — for the first time — be donating additional funds through a program it established that partially matches the money raised for life-affirming pregnancy care centers.
click to download audioLaura explained Bluegrass on Beshear “Pickin Life” is a multi-denominational supported event.
click to download audioShe added they also have tremendous support through donor matches.
click to download audioLaura noted that when they started this event 9 years ago she didn’t “realize that they would be on the front line fighting for life.” She explained that they don’t like to “get political but people who are paying attention to the news have seen pregnancy care centers along with staff have been under attack.” She added that it’s important to point out that these centers provide many important services that are not federally funded.
click to download audioJeff added these services are all provided at no cost to the client.
click to download audioThe Smiths’ said they have increased the amount raised each of the 9 years they have held the event and each year they have set a new record from previous years. Next year, Jeff said, will be special because it will be the event’s 10th anniversary. He noted they are considering options of how to make it “extra special” for those who attend the event on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
