Contact: Laura Echevarria, 540-370-1800

FREDERICKSBURG, Va., Oct. 16, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Knights of Columbus Virginia State Council partnered with the Fredericksburg Pregnancy Center (FPC) on October 9th to raise funds at an Open House/Fish Fry for the FPC sonogram initiative. The Knights of Columbus generously donated their time and skills to host the fish fry to benefit the Center as it pursues expanding its services.

"The Knights of Columbus have been wonderful partners in our goal of reaching those who cannot come to us," stated Denise Swett, executive director of the Fredericksburg Pregnancy Center. "They provided funds to help us purchase a portable ultrasound machine and they have partnered with us again to raise funds that will allow us to take the machine to clients in the surrounding counties."

A portable ultrasound machine, purchased through the financial aid of the Knights of Columbus and personal donor, was dedicated at the Open House/Fish Fry. Attending the event from the Knights of Columbus were Associate State Chaplain Rev. John Cregan, Worthy State Secretary Mike Gasper and his wife Jerri, Communications Director Brother Pat Korten, Worthy State Warden Ed Polich, Grand Knight Dan Bolas and Culture of Life Chairman John R. Wilkes.

The Fredericksburg Pregnancy Center serves the five counties surrounding the city: Spotsylvania, Stafford, Caroline, King George, and Louisa. To do this successfully, FPC has a sonogram machine and nurses trained in providing sonograms. But to reach clients in the surrounding counties, the Center needed to expand its reach. Through the generosity of the Knights of Columbus, the Center was able to purchase a portable ultrasound machine to meet the needs of clients who are not able to come to Fredericksburg.

"The Fredericksburg area has one of the highest abortion rates in the state," stated Swett. "We are grateful and humbled by the generosity of the Knights of Columbus. Our goal is to reach clients in the surrounding counties with a message of hope and life. The Knights and their generosity have helped us tremendously in reaching this goal."

Currently, in the Fredericksburg area, approximately one-in-four births end in an abortion (Virginia Health Department Statistics). The Fredericksburg Pregnancy Center provides free services to women seeking help in dealing with an unexpected pregnancy.