Category Archives: Uncategorized

Preparing for Curveballs: Banquet Lessons from Mike Williams

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Even the best-planned fundraising banquets can take an unexpected turn—or several! In this episode, Tracie Shellhouse and comedian–speaker Mike Williams share memorable “curveball” moments from pregnancy help fundraisers, along with practical ways to stay prepared when things don’t go as planned. From tech troubles and testimony surprises to catering crises, Mike’s stories remind us that preparation and the Holy Spirit can turn any disruption into an opportunity for impact. Tune in for laughter, insight, and encouragement for your next big fundraising event.

Click here for more about fundraising training through Heartbeat Academy

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented. 

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Planned Parenthood Closes in Houston: Pregnancy Help Is Ready to Serve!

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When the nation’s largest Planned Parenthood location closed in Houston, the team at Houston Pregnancy Help Center was ready. In this episode, Executive Director Sylvia Johnson joins Andrea Trudden to talk about what’s changed since the closure, how her organization continues to meet the growing needs of women (and men!), and the role of faith that has guided her through it all. With nearly four decades of experience in pregnancy help, Sylvia shares encouragement and perspective for leaders serving in areas where abortion clinics are closing. It’s a hopeful and inspiring look at how God is moving through the pregnancy help movement today!

Interested in the Abortion Pill Rescue Network? Learn more here – aprnworldwide.com

Click here for more on Next Level Center Management Solution

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations. The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement. We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

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Pregnancy Help News Brief – Ep. 14

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Lisa Bourne reports on this month’s pro-life news highlights. She covers new proposed legislation to protect Pregnancy Help Organizations and end discrimination (including the Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act of 2025), a new Pregnancy Center Advocacy Hub launched by AUL, scholarship funds for moms served by the pregnancy help community, and much more!

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations. The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement. We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

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Pregnancy Help News Brief – Ep. 13

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Lisa Bourne reports on this month’s highlights including praise for pregnancy help from Vice President, JD Vance and criticism for Planned Parenthood from The New York Times. Lisa also covers Abortion Pill Reversal in Russia and an effort to replicate pregnancy help using tax dollars in Pennsylvania. Tune in for these stories and more!

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations. The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement. We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

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Igniting More – Will Your Organization Be SORE, or Will It SOAR? (Part 1)

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In this “Part 1” episode, Connie Coleman talks about the warning signs that your organization might be on the brink of a crisis. Using the acronym, SORE, she shares practical insights on how to assess your current practices and organizational health. Join us next month to discover more about how you can stay ahead of the challenges and on the path of growth and success.

 

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

 

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Marketing Minute – Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media

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Join us as we welcome Delaney Walker, Extend Web Services Manager, for a conversation with Social Media Specialist, Morgan Gerig as they dive into the do’s and don’ts of social media for organizations. Delaney and Morgan share essential tips to help you maximize its power in reaching both clients and donors. Whether you’re a pro or just getting started, you won’t want to miss these valuable takeaways for building relationships over social media!

  • Contact Delaney at dwalker@extendwebservices.com
  • Contact Morgan at mgerig@extendwebservices.com
Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

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Pregnancy Help News Brief – Ep. 11

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Lisa Bourne takes us through the news highlights of the month, covering stories related to the work of pregnancy help worldwide. This month’s episode focuses on the March for Life as Lisa shares key moments from her time on the ground in DC, as well as some of the many events happening surrounding the March, including the Pro-Life Summit.

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations. The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

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Banquet Bloopers and Blessings – Kirk Walden and David Bereit

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It’s banquet season, so we have brought in Kirk Walden and David Bereit to talk with Jor-El Godsey about some of their tips and tricks to holding a successful fundraising event. From fires, falling onstage, and protesters to powerful client moments and overwhelming financial support, Kirk and David have experienced a lot in their travels!

Notes:

  • Don’t assume that attendees know everything about your mission and who you serve.
  • Illustrate your mission by telling stories of the families who have been served by your organization
  • Don’t apologize for asking for money. Remember that you are giving people a chance to be a part of your amazing mission!
  • Speak the language of your audience (using terms and explanations that the audience can connect with).
  • Be flexible as unforeseen events may disrupt your banquet; be sensitive to what the distraction may be and remember that your audience is with you. They understand!
  • Remember those who wanted to make it to the banquet but were not able to, or those who were not ready to give that night. Maximize what happens after the banquet by connecting with people who want to give later.

Sponsored by: Ambassador Speakers Bureau
Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

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Potato Salad – Tracie Shellhouse

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Each person in the pro-life movement has unique gifts, and each walks out their calling in a different way. In this episode, Tracie Shellhouse takes us through a message of unity based on 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 and potatoes.

Sponsored by: Heartbeat Academy
Click here for conference keynotes/workshops! Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

 

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Same, But Different – Voice for Life (Bosnia)

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Ellen Foell spoke with Anja Mirosavljev from Voice for Life in Bosnia at our Annual Conference about the way that her organization reaches women facing unexpected pregnancies. Many organizations are doing similar work, but different at the same time depending on their culture or the needs of the community. Abortion is easily accessible (and free) in Bosnia, and is often used as a form of contraception, so the need for pregnancy help is great. Voice for Life has been serving women since 2017.

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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