Burn Ban in Effect. All outdoor burning is prohibited in Franklin County.
A recent benefit concert featuring Diamond Rio brought a larger-than-expected crowd together in support of the Tri-Lakes Pregnancy Center, giving the organization greater visibility as it prepares to open a dedicated facility in Mount Vernon. Gabby Mitchell of Tri-Lakes said the community’s response was the most memorable part of the evening. “We were overwhelmed and blessed by the amount of support we received,” Mitchell said. “Everyone was kind, respected the facilities, and did a great job keeping everything clean and nice. The community was wonderful.”
Although the concert did not quite cover its costs, Mitchell said it accomplished an important goal by introducing more people to the pregnancy center and its work. “We weren’t far, but we didn’t quite break even,” she said. “With what we put into it, it was well worth the awareness and visibility. Our hope is that people who didn’t know what we did before the concert now do.” One of the evening’s most memorable moments came from above, when an anonymous pilot flew over the concert and traced a heart in the sky before adding the letters “D” and “R” for Diamond Rio. “Everybody was gasping and taking pictures,” Mitchell said. “We had no idea anyone was going to do that. It was just an extra show of love and support.” She also thanked the law enforcement officers who helped keep the concert safe, including some who volunteered their time, as well as residents from across the county who attended.
The community support comes as Tri-Lakes works to expand its services. For nearly three years, the organization has been developing a permanent home for the pregnancy center. It currently provides pregnancy testing, sonograms, and other medical services from First Baptist Church. Mitchell said the new building was about a month away from being ready for use at the time of the interview, although the organization had not set a firm move-in date. Once it opens, Tri-Lakes plans to move its medical operations there rather than operate from both locations.
Tri-Lakes also runs a thrift store in Mount Vernon. Proceeds from the store help fund the pregnancy center, while space at the back currently serves as a resource room where clients receive diapers, wipes, formula, clothing, and other supplies. Paying off the thrift store is one of the organization’s immediate fundraising goals. Tri-Lakes eventually hopes to move the resource room to the same property as the pregnancy center while continuing to operate the store as a source of financial support. “We have to grow it in pieces and build it as we get the funds,” Mitchell said. “We are very much in a development stage, and we are hopeful that we’ll be able to reach these goals in the next couple of years.”
Clients can earn points toward needed supplies by participating in Bible studies, parenting education, financial education, and similar programs. Some expectant mothers save their points throughout pregnancy to obtain supplies after their babies are born. If a family needs something the center does not normally keep in stock, such as a twin stroller or a particular car seat, Mitchell said the organization works to secure a donation or purchase the item. The thrift store currently has enough volunteers, but Tri-Lakes expects to need additional help at the pregnancy center after it settles into the new building. The center is also seeking a Spanish-speaking volunteer to lead a Bible study or educational program for Spanish-speaking clients.
While the Diamond Rio concert did not produce the financial return organizers had hoped for, Mitchell said its broader value was clear. “We are very happy and totally satisfied with how the concert went,” she said. “It served a very important purpose in our mission.” Those who would like to support the organization can contribute through the Tri-Lakes Pregnancy Center giving page.
