Thanks to local donation, Watertown’s Haven Center purchases ultrasound machine

October 31, 2023

Watertown, S.D.– Haven Center, a soon-to-open pregnancy resource center in Watertown, was recently given a donation to purchase an ultrasound machine.

Knights of Columbus Council 859 of Watertown coordinated the effort to raise funds for the ultrasound machine. At a local level, the Watertown council held a raffle to raise 25% of the total funds needed. In just 6 weeks, 1200 tickets were sold.

“Out of all the work we do, the Knights of Columbus places pro-life initiatives at a priority,” Michael Roethler, Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 859 said. “We believe placing an ultrasound machine at Haven Center will save lives. We are so thankful to be able to assist the work Haven Center will do.”

An additional 25% of the funds came from a grant from 4us, a volunteer-led organization that partners with the Knights of Columbus and other organizations to place ultrasound machines in pregnancy centers. The remaining 50% of the ultrasound cost is being covered by Knights of Columbus at a national level.

“Upon seeing her baby’s image on an ultrasound machine at a pregnancy help center, over 90% of women will choose life,” Jessica McClanahan, Executive Director of Haven Center said. “We are overwhelmed with gratefulness at this gift that will allow us to save lives.”

The new machine is equipped with the latest technology and is scheduled to be ready for clients when Haven Center opens in early 2024.

In addition to the ultrasound donation, Knights of Columbus Council 859 donated a further $38,000 to Haven Center.