Arizona State Council
Knights of Columbus
Phoenix, Arizona
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Knights of Columbus Donate High-Tech Ultrasound Machine to
Local Crisis Pregnancy Center
PHOENIX - It is not surprising that nine months ago, 1st Way Pregnancy Resource Center, conceived a project to replace their original ultrasound machine; used to show expectant mothers the child growing in their womb. The fund raising effort has come full term and on Friday, May 17, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. 1st Way will receive the fruits of their labor of love. The Knights of Columbus request the presence of the media to witness the announcement of a donation that will allow 1st Way to purchase a new 3D/4D ultrasound machine that will soon allow the staff of the crisis pregnancy center to provide expectant mothers with the first view of their unborn babies, inside the womb, with the highest clarity available.
The Knights of Columbus Supreme Council will present a check in the amount of $39,925.00 to 1st Way to match the funds raised by local councils. The presentation will take place at the Phoenix Sheraton Crescent Hotel, located at 2620 West Dunlap Avenue in Phoenix, AZ 85021.
Nine months ago, five local councils of the Knights of Columbus banded together and began raising funds for 1st Way. The effort led by Grand Knight Richard Kulok of Saint Mary Magdalene Council #13779, raised over $49,000 toward the purchase of the new ultrasound machine. The price of the new General Electric Voluson E8 Expert BT12 ultrasound is $79,850. Through the assistance of the Knights of Columbus International Ultrasound Program, half of the purchase price is matched against local donations and granted toward the purchase price.
"This amazing ultrasound machine will allow us, at 1st Way, to show women, with great clarity, a live image of their child,? said Christine Accurso, Executive Director for 1st Way. ?With the amazing detail that the new 4D ultrasound provides, it will be a window to the truth of the growing life inside the womb and allow women to be more informed as they make decisions about their lives and the life of their unborn babies,? continued Accurso.
The Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Program began in 2009 and to date, has provided over $8.5 million in matching funds toward the purchase of over 334 ultrasound machines. In Arizona, this program has helped place two other imaging devices in Tucson and Flagstaff.
?I am pleased that the Knights are able to help such a worthy organization as 1st Way purchase a new ultrasound, said Bryant Sayers,? State Deputy for the Arizona Council of the Knights of Columbus. ?Organizations like 1st Way assist women during their pregnancy and help them make informed decisions about their health and the health of the child they carry,? said Sayers.
Carl Anderson, leader of the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council, said in his letter to Accurso, ?Ultrasound technology opens a window into the womb and dramatically shows the humanity of the unborn, even to the doubting eyes of those who may not have previously shared our regard for the sanctity of unborn human life.?
The presentation of this check by a representative of the Supreme Knight takes place during the first day of the Arizona Knights? 106th annual state convention. State Deputy Sayers commented that, ?The convention is a perfect setting for this presentation so that all the delegates in attendance can see the fruits of their labors.?
The Knights of Columbus is the World?s largest Catholic family fraternal service organization. Father Michael J. McGivney, an Irish Priest, founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882. Today, the Knights boast 1.8 Million members worldwide. Last year they donated $158 Million and 70 Million volunteer hours to charitable causes. The 15,000 Knights in Arizona donated $1.6 million and 935,000 hours to charity. Arizona ranks in the top ten in charitable works among the Knights of Columbus.
For additional information, contact John S. Garcia, State Public Relations Director at telephone (602) 525-4424. Visit the Arizona State Council website for more information: www.azknightsofcolumbus.com.
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John S. Garcia
Public Relations Director
Arizona State Council
(602) 525-4424
www.azknightsofcolumbus.com
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