On April 13, Hope Women’s Centers hosted their 28th annual fundraising banquet, “Hope Changes Everything,” featuring American film producer Jason Jones as the keynote speaker. Jones, who worked on the pro-life films “Bella” and “Crescendo” and the film “Little Boy,” which opened in theaters April 24th, shared his personal story of how abortion impacted his life as a teenager.

Alexander Star, who first visited Hope as the boyfriend of a client, shared how he now uses his talent for Christ and creates music to challenge his generation. Guests previewed the premier of his music video, “Our Women,” an edgy, honest look at issues that affect today’s women.

Brian Brookins, chairman of Hope’s Board and pastor of Riverside Church, reported that after the banquet one of the waiters approached him with a picture of a little boy and explained, “This is a Hope baby. I thought you’d like to know. When my girlfriend got pregnant, they really helped us. I just wanted to say thanks.”

“The banquet was a great celebration of life, demonstrating that our community is working together to help women in unplanned pregnancies,” said Nancy McDonald, president and CEO of Hope. Sixty churches were represented, 45 pastors attended and over $400,000 was raised to support Hope Women’s Centers. For links to the videos, visit  friendsofhope.com.