Nearly 900 guests attended Council for Life’s annual Celebrating Life Luncheon on October 29 at the Omni Hotel in Dallas. Multi-Grammy award winner, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, author, husband and father, Steven Curtis Chapman, moved the audience as he candidly shared his story of the experiences that shaped his faith, family and music.
A man of strong faith and an active advocate for life and adoption, Steven explained, “We make our plans, God directs our steps.” Steven graciously played two songs, one of which he was not sure he would ever play again after the tragic death of his adopted daughter, Maria, just days after her 5th birthday. He reminded attendees that, “It is in brokenness that God gives us hope and tells us the most beautiful stories.”
Amy Mitchell served as the 2018 Luncheon Chair. Heather and Ray Washburne were the Honorary Chair and Susan Blackburn served as Underwriting Chair. Generous underwriters provided seating for students from area high schools and representatives from Council for Life’s 2018 beneficiaries.
A special feature of the luncheon was a video that highlights all the work Council for Life does to support life-affirming programs across North Texas. The video may be viewed here.
Over the past 17 years, Council for Life has donated more than $7 million to nearly 50 beneficiaries. Council for Life’s 2018 President, Diane Beckett, shares, “Council for Life is grateful for the faith-based, compassionate services that these agencies provide and for their commitment to empowering women, men and youth to make life-affirming choices.”
The proceeds from this year’s luncheon will benefit 13 agencies including: Aim for Success, Birth Choice of Dallas, Catholic Pro-Life Committee, Heroic Media, Hope Women’s Center, Just Say YES – Youth Equipped to Succeed, LifeTalk Resource Center, Pregnancy Resource Center of Grand Prairie, Pregnancy Resource Center of Rockwall and Mesquite, Real Options for Women, Southwest Pregnancy Services, Thrive Women’s Clinic and YoungLives, a ministry of Young Life. Click here to learn more about the specific needs Council for Life funded through the Celebrating Life Luncheon.
About Council for Life
Council for Life (CFL) exists to empower women, men and youth to make life-affirming choices. Motivated by Christ-like love and responsive compassion, CFL is committed to raising awareness of the complex issues that surround unplanned pregnancies and to providing financial support to agencies that share their mission. Learn more at councilforlife.org.