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GREENSBORO — Room at the Inn of the Triad celebrated its 12th annual benefit banquet Oct. 18 at the Embassy Suites in Greensboro. Abby Johnson, former director of a Planned Parenthood in Texas and author of "Unplanned," was the keynote speaker for the evening.

The night was celebrated with supporters from many faith communities. The invocation was given by Dr. Craig Childs, pastor of the Kirk Church in Greensboro, while the blessing of the food was celebrated by Father John Eckert of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro.

Pictured: Abby Johnson, author of "Unplanned" and the keynote speaker at Room at the Inn of the Triad's annual banquet in Greensboro earlier this month, is pictured on the right. She signed copies of her book at the event. (Georgianna Penn, Catholic News Herald)

Keynote speaker Abby Johnson gave a detailed account of the eight years she spent working as an office manager in an abortion facility. She also shared her story of conversion. "I didn't get voted out of Planned Parenthood, I got prayed out," Johnson said, describing how pro-life advocates prayed daily outside of her workplace for those eight years.

"Women in an unplanned pregnancy are only looking for a sign," Johnson said. She pointed out that no one grows up thinking of one day having an abortion. "Women going in to have an abortion are looking for a way out," she emphasized.

She explained that her work was filled with inconsistencies. She said they were never allowed to refer to the fetus as a "baby," but that women would always ask if their baby would feel anything during the procedure. Her final sign to leave the abortion industry was imprinted on her heart the day she was asked to assist in an ultra-sound guided abortion. She watched the growing fetus react in pain to the procedure – witnessing the struggling baby changed her life and her heart forever. She would not ignore this sign.

Silence filled the room as supporters were captivated by the horrific details of the ultra-sound guided abortion. Abby Johnson's story is one of reality, truth, hope and conversion and is an answered prayer for the Church and pro-life movement. She closed her program pleading that "the pro-life movement will continue to grow if we get the word out about places like Room at the Inn."

A video message from Bishop Peter J. Jugis, shown during the banquet, urged the faithful to see the face of Christ in our women and children, and his words carried the evening into a more positive note. An appeal was made by Elizabeth Hedgecock, vice chair of the Room at the Inn of the Triad board of trustees, and much gratitude was given to Kimberly Romie and Marianne Donadio for their efforts coordinating the event.

Room at the Inn of the Triad is an answered prayer for its mothers and children, but could not be without supporters like Barbara Holt, who was presented at the end of the evening with the Father Conrad Lewis Kimbrough Pro-Life Award for her efforts supporting life in the Triad area over the years.

For more information about Room at the Inn of the Triad, which is not affiliated with Room at the Inn of Charlotte, or to volunteer or donate, contact 336-996-3788.

— Georgianna Penn, correspondent