Members of the St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus Council 2326 of Storm Lake have raised $17,000 to help purchase a new ultrasound machine for Hope For Life, the pregnancy resource center serving Storm Lake and surrounding communities.
The contribution represents half the cost of the new equipment. The remaining $17,000 will be provided through a matching grant from the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council.
Council members spent the past year organizing a series of grassroots fundraising efforts. A large share of the total came from the group’s funnel cake stand during Storm Lake’s Star Spangled Spectacular celebrations. Additional support came from the Iowa State Knights of Columbus Charity Foundation, proceeds from the council’s Cans for a Cause recycling program and private donations.
“This was truly a team effort,” said Will Swanson, who led the initiative. “From frying funnel cakes in the summer heat to collecting cans and reaching out to donors, our members and supporters showed what can happen when a community comes together for a meaningful cause.”
Hope For Life leaders say the new ultrasound machine will improve imaging quality and enhance services for clients. Center director Misty Ried said the equipment “will equip women to make life decisions earlier and ultimately impact all the families we serve,” adding that the organization is grateful for the community’s support.
