For those seeking an alternative to flowers and chocolate this Valentine's Day, the Oxford Women's Care Center is offering something a little different.
At 7 p.m. Feb. 14, the Oxford Women's Care Center will be presenting, "An Evening of Music!" at Kumler Chapel. The musical program will include a variety of vocal and instrumental performances by local musicians.
"It's the perfect location and entertainment for a great date on Valentine's Day," said Marna Laurito, executive director of the Oxford Women's Care Center.
"An Evening of Music!" is a free event, though the program will include a time for donations for the Oxford Women's Care Center. Reservations prior to the event are suggested.
Although the center is currently in the stage of finalizing details about the event, musical performances throughout the event will include classical violin pieces as well as contemporary Christian vocal songs.
"The Oxford Women's Care Center isn't widely known about," said Emily Barlow, a former volunteer for the center. "So it's good to spread awareness about their services through fund-raising events like this."
The performance of "An Evening of Music!" welcomes all Miami University students and Oxford community members-both those who are single and those coming with a date.
"(The event) a good chance to unite the Oxford community members and the students of Miami for a fun Valentine's event and a really good cause," Barlow said.
The Women's Care Center is currently seeking additional musicians to perform at this Thursday's event. Miami students and community members with musical ability are encouraged by the center to inquire about providing their talents for this fund-raising cause.
Located at 23 E. High St. in uptown Oxford, the Oxford Women's Care Center is a faith based, pro-life organization that provides service to Miami students and members of the Oxford community.
The center mostly operates by a staff of volunteers, and much of the financial support is from individual donors.
"Women need women to talk to, to listen and care," Laurito said. "At our center, we care about helping you sort out the issues you may be facing; whether relationships, past abuse or current student life problems. We are here to broaden your circle of support in a very compassionate, non-clinical way."
The center provides many free services including pregnancy tests, peer counseling, support groups and abortion recovery care. According to Laurito, single mother clients who come to the center for parenting classes may also receive free baby items such as diapers, baby clothes, cribs and car seats.
By holding events such as "An Evening of Music!" Laurito said the center is making efforts to let the Miami University community know about their available services.
For more information about performing at the event or to reserve seats, call Marna Laurito at (513) 594-8559 or e-mail info@oxfordpcc.org.
