BELMONT — MiraVia held its 26th annual “Path to Life” fundraiser online Oct. 29 due to restrictions on large in-person gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. William Thierfelder, president of Belmont Abbey College guided viewers through the virtual event.
Viewers prayed along with Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari during the invocation; learned more about MiraVia from executive director Debbie Capen; heard from two mothers currently living in the residential facility at Belmont Abbey College; and a recent graduate of the MiraVia residential program. Susan Rodriguez, board president, also spoke about how MiraVia has adapted to pandemic guidelines to continue serving mothers and their children who come to them for assistance. Father Benjamin Roberts, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and longtime supporter of MiraVia, offered the benediction.
The keynote address this year was delivered by Melissa Ohden, survivor of a failed saline infusion abortion in 1977. Ohden is the founder and director of The Abortion Survivors Network and is a master’s level prepared social worker. She is the author of “You Carried Me: A Daughter’s Memoir.”
MiraVia shared with viewers that last year: a total of 819 moms and babies were served; 2,654 bags of clothing were given out; 9,971 pounds of food was distributed; 54,640 diapers were given out; 841 total volunteer hours were given; and 567 residents and 9,199 outreach clients received assistance.
MiraVia’s fundraising goal this year is $500,000. Get more information about how to volunteer or donate at www.mira-via.org.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter