Hands of Hope hosted around 300 people for supper and entertainment on March 23. Melinda Stoller, executive director of Hands of Hope stated, “We are so thankful for how successful our first annual spaghetti supper was! It has been our biggest fundraiser yet, and we are hoping to continue to have large gatherings.” For the entertainment, a Paulding Jr. High girls and boys group and the WTHS Barbershop Club sang several songs as well as some boys from WT’s recent musical “The Music Man”. To end the evening on a spiritual note, the Manz Strings performed several gospel songs. The spaghetti supper was delicious too! There was 
lots of positive feedback so they are already making plans for next year’s supper! This past year, Hands of Hope have helped 37 women/families, with the goal being to keep increasing this number and to continue serving more pregnant teenagers in the coming years. Statistics in the recent year show there was 18 pregnant teenagers in Paulding County. Less than 10% of clients are teenagers, and Hands of Hope feel they have a lot to offer pregnant teenagers. “I want to get the word out there that even if pregnant teenagers are being supported by their family, we would love for their families to encourage the teen to earn at least their crib and stroller/car seat combo through us,” commented Stoller. “The benefit being, they are earning their supplies, not being given it. Also, they are coming in contact with wonderful Christian mentors, and learning some great education about their pregnancy and babies that will benefit them,” continued Stoller. Hands of Hope has talked to over 200 school kids in the past year about abstinence and parenting decisions, and there are plans to attend Antwerp school soon to talk to roughly 60 students. Hands of Hope hosts two big fundraisers each year, a 5K race and then a large annual fundraiser, this year being the spaghetti supper. The earnings from these two fundraisers typically brings in about 25% of annual needs. Thank you to all the volunteers, family, and friends who helped to get all the work done for this successful spaghetti supper, and for all the support.
