Southern Nebraska Register
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in Beatrice Sept. 4, to celebrate the installation of a new ultrasound machine at the Willow Center, Gage County’s only pregnancy resource center.
The resource center reached out to the Knights of Columbus Council 1723 of St. Joseph Parish in Beatrice in January, with a pressing need. The center’s ultrasound machine – a crucial tool in the mission of supporting women and families – was no longer reliable. Outdated and malfunctioning, it risked hindering the Willow Center’s ability to provide vital services to expectant mothers. The Knights of Columbus, committed to the cause of protecting life at every stage, knew they had to act swiftly.
The members of Council 1723 immediately began planning, determined to secure a new ultrasound machine for the center. Over the next six months, they rallied the community, organizing a series of fundraisers to cover the substantial cost of the machine.
One of the highlights of the knights’ efforts was the June 1 “Family Fun Day,” held in collaboration with the Willow Center. It included bounce houses, face painting, and snow cones, and the knights prepared and served 240 pounds of smoked pulled pork. In addition to the fun, there was a deep and meaningful purpose behind the event. Guest speaker Karen Bowling, from Nebraska Family Alliance, addressed the crowd, speaking passionately about the fight for the innocent and the importance of defending the right to life.
The event was not just a community gathering, but also the final push in the council’s fundraising efforts. With a significant portion of the funds already raised, the event helped propel Council 1723 toward the goal. The Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus, through its Ultrasound Initiative, had pledged to match the funds raised by local councils. Council 1723 successfully raised half of the required amount, and in August, the ultrasound machine arrived at the Willow Center.
The Sept. 4 ribbon-cutting event at the Willow Center was a celebration of collaboration, community support, and the commitment of the Knights of Columbus Council 1723 to protecting life.
“The Beatrice Knights of Columbus Council 1723 is deeply proud to support the Willow Center, a vital resource for the community,” said Brock Lohr, grand knight of the council. “Their efforts reflect the core mission of the Knights: to serve and defend life at all stages, and to stand alongside those who work tirelessly to provide care and compassion to those in need. Through their dedication and partnership, the future of many lives will continue to be nurtured and protected, thanks to a brand-new ultrasound and the united efforts of a caring community.”
