The Suffolk/Isle of Wight Chapter participated in the City of Suffolk’s annual Peanut Fest October 7 – 10, 2004. The beautiful weather encouraged people to come out and that meant a larger audience with which to share the pro-life message!

Consistent with the educational mission of VSHL, fetal models and development information were on display along with literature covering a variety of topics ranging from adoption to stem cell research. The chapter’s electronic true-or-false quiz board continued to be another popular attraction at the booth, drawing in members of the public who might otherwise pass by. Festival-goers were invited to “Test Their Knowledge” on a number of abortion and fetal development facts, getting a buzz for wrong answers and a lit “You Are Correct” for right answers. More often than not, people would shake their heads in amazement. This gave the volunteers a wonderful opportunity to provide them with more information, including the NRLC’s “Where do the Candidates Stand on Abortion” flyer. Many people stopped at the booth to pick up pro-life bumper stickers and Precious Feet and children throughout the festival wore the chapter’s “I’m Glad You Were Born” stickers! The generosity of many of these supporters will allow the chapter to continue to fund the booth in the future so that VSHL can continue to increase awareness of life issues. Most encouraging was the number of signatures which were collected for the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act petition—over 15 pages worth of names were gathered!

The Chapter would like to thank the dedicated volunteers who gave of their time to staff the booth during the festival. Without their help, it would not have been possible for the chapter to participate again.

Published in VSHL Lifesaver, October 2004