Early Pregnancy Loss Association marks fifth anniversary, plans charity gala in Jonesville

Home City News Early Pregnancy Loss Association marks fifth anniversary, plans charity gala in Jonesville
EPLA Secretary Maria Servold and President Emily Carrington at a pregnancy and infant loss conference in 2018.
EPLA Secretary Maria Servold and President Emily Carrington at a pregnancy and infant loss conference in 2018.
EPLA Secretary Maria Servold and President Emily Carrington at a pregnancy and infant loss conference in 2018.

A nonprofit group dedicated to helping families cope with miscarriage will celebrate its fifth anniversary at a gala on Oct. 23.

The Early Pregnancy Loss Association, which was founded in Hillsdale, helps grieving mothers and families by providing informational and material resources after they experience miscarriage.

Hillsdale College Vice President and General Counsel Bob Norton and his wife, Kathy, will host the gala at their home in Jonesville at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45, and cover the cost of a drink ticket, hot hors d’ouvres, and live music. Proceeds will go to the general EPLA fund.

“We’ll have opportunities for people to give throughout the evening, either through Venmo or people making donations in person,” said EPLA President Emily Carrington. “One of the biggest services we provide are miscarriage care kits, and we’ll be launching a new form of donation for that at the gala. People can donate money in honor of a person they know who’s lost a little one, and there will be a note about that in each kit.”

The organization also educates members of the community about the complications of early pregnancy loss.

“We provide educational resources to women, families, and healthcare providers,” Carrington said. “We’re parents’ advocates and we want to give them a voice with the medical professionals regarding what they need and the support they’re looking for.”

The event is the result of hard work from several members of the Hillsdale community. 

“We especially want to thank Dr. Nichole Ellis at the Pediatric Place and Dr. Brian Sinischo at Hidden Meadows OB-GYN for their sponsorships,” EPLA Board Member Maria Servold said. “We are also very grateful for the individual sponsorships we received, and for the generosity of Bob and Kathy Norton, who are allowing us to use their beautiful home for the event.”

Members of the organization are looking forward to showing the community what their support has amounted to. 

I am most excited to show our supporters how much their financial and material support has helped women in need over the last five years,” Servold said. “In just the last 12 months, we’ve been able to provide more than 1,000 miscarriage care kits.”

The board members will also describe their work to any newcomers at the gala. 

“Our vision is that no one will suffer misscarriage alone, and we’ve had great help in executing that in the past five years,” Carrington said.

The EPLA has worked with the college in the past, and students are encouraged to attend if possible.

“I think what’s really cool about EPLA is that they are a local nonprofit, and there’s a lot of Hillsdale community members involved,” said Sophia Berryhill, Hillsdale Midwifery Club president. “I know it’s a sensitive topic for people, but I think supporting them at the gala is a great way to make connections with people who are committed to supporting others.”

Ticket inquiries for the gala should be directed to admin@miscarriagecare.com.