November 22, 2004

Community Continues To Support Ruth Harbor Ministry
Fundraising Banquet Results Demonstrate Community's Support

Ruth Harbor, a locally-founded residential care facility that helps women facing an unplanned pregnancy, today announced that community members committed more than $43,000 in donations and pledges at Ruth Harbor's third annual fundraising banquet.

The banquet, which was held on November 11, 2004 at the Embassy Suites, gathered-together more than 300 central Iowans who came to support the ministry financially and catch a glimpse of Ruth Harbor's activity in 2004 and hopes for 2005. "Although we're always in need of volunteers and people to provide prayer and outreach to the community, we also need financial support from the community," said Mark McDougal, Executive Director at Ruth Harbor. "We receive support from area churches, foundations, and businesses, but donations and pledges from individuals who care about this ministry, which accounts for nearly 60% of the ministry's funding, continue to be our primary funding source.

Last year's fundraising banquet was the turning point to better financial health after experiencing a shortfall of $30,000 in September 2003. "The community rallied behind us last year, but to see those numbers increase again at this year's fundraiser tells me they feel just as strongly about our work now," said McDougal.

Underwriters Make Banquet Possible
WHO Radio's Van Harden hosted the banquet and special speaker, Jim Pierson, focused attention on the need for a maternity home like Ruth Harbor, spoken from his personal experience of being a house parent to over 300 young women. A Ruth Harbor alumnus also shared her personal story with attendees. The banquet costs were completely underwritten by supportive friends of Ruth Harbor so contributions and pledges will go toward meeting the needs of Ruth Harbor residents.

Community members who would like to participate in next year's banquet - either to help plan it, provide administrative help, host a table, or simply attend - should contact the ministry's office at 515-279-4661 or email them at rutharbor@rutharbor.org.

How To Donate
If you would like to contribute or make an annual pledge to Ruth Harbor, simply visit them online at www.rutharbor.org, or call their office at 515-279-4661.

About Ruth Harbor
Founded in 1996, Ruth Harbor is a Christ-centered home for women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy. Ruth Harbor began providing shelter, counseling, life-skill training, and options to women at no cost on Mother's Day, 2001. Ruth Harbor is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. The home and its administrative offices are located 534 42nd Street in Des Moines. For more information call 279-4661 or visit the website www.rutharbor.org.