The University of Idaho Students for Life organization held a spaghetti feed and desert auction Saturday to fundraise for parents in need on campus and in the community.
The UI organization is tied to the Students for Life of America, which helps the group organize informational displays and tables on campus, as well as events like the spaghetti feed.
The members of the group said they seek to “abolish abortion and promote life” at local, state and national levels through opportunities that encourage dialogue.
“We want to protect the human right to life from conception to natural death, and to provide women with resources and support so they never feel the need to have an abortion,” said Frances Arend, president of the organization.
Arend said the group has existed off and on since the 1970s. In the past four years there has been a new spark of energy that led the group to be more active on campus — implementing outreach programs, throwing baby showers, providing support for new and expecting mothers and attending national conferences, Arend said.
Arend said the organization has about 15 active members, as well as the support of many other students on campus who are unable to be active members, but are still part of the pro-life movement.
“As a member, I enjoy being a part of such a great cause that literally saves lives,” Arend said. “Also, the people involved in this movement are such good, down-to-earth and selfless people, and it is a pleasure to spend time with them doing work that is so important and worthwhile.”
Arend said Students for Life has held many events on campus for students as well as events for the general public with speakers from around the country. They also organized annual baby showers at Palouse Care Network and led diaper drives on campus and in the community.
Arend said this is the second year the organization put the feed together and last year more than $1,000 was raised by attendees.
Moscow resident Joy Newland attended this year’s event and said her husband was a member when he was a student at UI.
“We know, firsthand, how important the organization is for the community, and now that we are able to give back, we do so every time that we are able so that the students can shed light on such an important cause and further it even more,” Newland said.
Arend said proceeds from the feed will aid local parents who are in need, providing more support on campus and in the community for new and expecting parents and promoting a “culture of life.”
Arend said anyone who is interested in joining the group or wants more information can attend meetings at 5 p.m. Mondays in the Panorama Room of the Idaho Commons.
“We are grateful for all of the support we have received and are excited to welcome any new members into our club who are interested in defending life,” Arend said.
Olivia Heersink can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @heersinkolivia