WINONA LAKE - Nearly 500 people were in attendance for the annual Kosciusko County Right To Life Banquet at the Orthopedic Capital Center Monday night.
The evening's keynote speaker was David Bereit.
Bereit is the head of the 40 Days For Life campaign, which is a pro-life campaign that focuses on prayer and fasting along with vigils, outreach and education.Bereit was noted as helping his former hometown in Texas decrease abortions at the local Planned Parenthood clinic by more than 40 percent.
"One message I want to share is don't ever take for granted what you have here in the Kosciusko County Right To Life," said Bereit.
Bereit stated there were 10,224 abortions in Indiana, and despite the the county's Right To Life best efforts, Bereit said abortions by area women still take place.
The county doesn't have an abortion clinic.
Bereit shared his story of how he became involved in the abortion issue. Bereit stated he quit a high-paying job as a pharmaceutical sales rep to work as a pro-life advocate.
"The question you have to ask yourself is, 'Are you making a difference?'" said Bereit.
Two people received the Mary Louis Lowe Award.
The award is given to people who made a pro-life impact on the county, chosen by Kosciusko County residents and the Kosciusko County Right To Life board.
Heartline Pregnancy Center volunteer and Grace College student Brianna Sharbaugh was awarded for her work.
Linda Koontz, who has been involved in Kosciusko County Right To Life since 1990, also was honored. Koontz was recognized for working part time for Indiana Right To Life and teaching preschool.
Dave Koontz gave an update of the Kosciusko County Right To Life as did Heartline Pregnancy Center Executive Director Angie Wood.
Both Dave Koontz and Wood stated being pro-life doesn't stop at protecting unborn babies.
"It's about supporting pregnant women and helping men and women who have been affected by abortions," said Dave Koontz.
He also said that Kosciusko County Right To Life plans to put together a voter guide that will be out in October. The guide lists local, state and federal candidates and their stance on abortion.
The audience saw a taped message from U.S. Congressman Dan Coats.
Dr. Joe Graham served as the evening's emcee, Pastor Ken Locke led the invocation, and Pastor Ron Horgan led the closing prayer.
The Overtones, a Christian quartet, served as the evening's entertainment.
