Keynote speaker and Super Bowl Champion Matt Birk spoke to a capacity crowd of 335 at Almquist Farm on Sep. 16th at TLC’s annual fundraising banquet. $84,701 was raised for TLC’s life-affirming programming.

Birk was introduced by TLC board member John Fasbender using one of Birk’s quotes, “I am pro-life because God is the originator of life, and my life has dignity, not because my mother said so, but because I am a child of God.” Birk played 10 seasons for the Vikings and four with the Ravens and was a six-time Pro Bowl selection.

Birk praised TLC and their programming, saying, “It is evident the entire staff at TLC is so passionate and truly care about the people who walk through the door. They aren’t working at TLC because it’s a job – it’s a mission.” Birk continued, “It was an honor to be at the TLC fundraiser – the venue was packed and you could feel the Holy Spirit in the room.”

TLC of Hastings Pregnancy Resource Center is a ministry that serves the community by providing life-affirming pregnancy and parent education support. Through education, mentoring and parent classes, they offer tangible solutions supported by a community of love. Services are always offered free of charge. The banquet is the most important fundraising event of the year and supports 86% of TLC’s yearly funding.

Photo Submitted by TLC of Hastings

Super Bowl Champion Matt Birk was the keynote speaker. Photo Submitted by TLC of Hastings

TLC of Hastings Board of Directors and Staff from L to R: Kate Ries, Mike Myers, Annie McNamara, Morida Tinucci, Jerry Bambenek, Ronda Pelzer, Kelly Rother, Lana Adams-Herr, Paula Weinzettel, Andrea Kullmann, Daniel Millard, Ali Fairbanks, Father Matt Shireman, John Fasbender, Angela Erickson and Tracy Steiner. Photo Submitted by TLC of Hastings

A capacity crowd of 335 enjoyed the evening at Almquist Farms. 524 cutout baby onesies adorned the banquet hall to represent the number of babies born since opening TLC of Hastings in 2009.