Seeds Women’s Center hosted its annual fundraising banquet Thursday, October 9, at the Minden Civic Center, drawing hundreds of guests to celebrate faith, family, and the center’s growing impact in the community. The event carried the theme “My God Is So Big (There’s Nothing My God Cannot Do).”
Minden Mayor Nick Cox addressed attendees, commending the center’s mission and the community’s generosity. “In Minden, we appreciate things like compassion and faith and love for your neighbor,” Cox said. “You’re not just supporting the center, you’re investing in hope.”
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson thanked the center and its supporters in a recorded message: “I thank you for what you are doing each and every day to help us build a culture of life in our beloved state of Louisiana.”
Executive Director Amber Bradford shared updates on the center’s impact over the past two years, noting 417 total client visits, 500 individuals served, 266 pregnancy tests, 388 ultrasounds, and 76 parents enrolled in classes. She said 54 families chose life for their unborn children through the center’s support.
Seeds Women’s Center has also recently partnered with the Department of Children and Family Services to assist foster families. “All foster parents are welcome to come and get anything at our center: cribs, car seats, diapers, clothes, whatever. No questions asked,” Bradford said. She added that the offer extends to anyone caring for young children, including those in informal foster arrangements. Items in the center’s baby boutique are available for children from birth to age four.
The center also offers parenting classes that can assist parents working to regain custody of their children. Bradford said she provides letters to judges documenting participants’ efforts and progress.
Bradford expressed gratitude for community volunteers and encouraged others to get involved. “I have three rocking chairs. If you can’t do anything, you can sit in a rocking chair and say, ‘Can I hold him?’” she said. “We do need volunteers — always. Without volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to do it.”
Much of the evening’s program was dedicated to laughter and fellowship, as featured speaker and comedian Tim Boyd kept the audience entertained with his faith-based comedy routine. The performance provided a lighthearted and uplifting close to an evening focused on community and compassion.
After the event, Bradford said the evening was a success, even as donations continue toward the center’s $60,000 goal. “We didn’t reach our goal YET of $60,000 but it’s getting close,” Bradford said. “From the video message from Speaker Mike Johnson to the delicious cupcakes from A Piece of Heaven Cakery. Speaker and comedian Tim Boyd did a fantastic job! Seeds is so grateful for all of the support, and it was pretty awesome seeing 374 people who all want to make a difference and help women and families right here in our community. My God is so strong, so big and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do!”
Those who wish to help Seeds Women’s Center reach its fundraising goal can donate online at www.seedswomenscenter.com/donate, visit the center at 308 Pine Street in Minden, or mail contributions to the same address. Donations directly support the center’s mission of helping local women and families through free pregnancy and family services.
