Knights of Columbus Baby Bottle Fundraiser raises over $88,000 for Women’s Care Center

By Allison Mosier

11/07/2025

Bishop Lawrence Persico; Randy Newport, executive director of the Women’s Care Center; Phil Legler, chairman of the Baby Bottle Fundraiser; Greg Penco, co-chairman of the Baby Bottle Fundraiser; Denny Deiner, Tom Palisin, Frank Supinski, Frank Wargo, Jim Smith, Geri Smith, Marty Drabic, Dave Spacht, Stephen Eidell, and Lew Nordin, all Knights of Columbus; Kevin Smith, president of Cathedral Prep; and Jason Ladouceur, vice president of academics and student affairs at Cathedral Prep.

Bishop Lawrence Persico joined representatives of the Knights of Columbus and Cathedral Preparatory School to present a check for $88,659 to the Women’s Care Center, the result of this year’s Baby Bottle Fundraiser.

The annual initiative, now in its fourth year, continues to grow thanks to the generosity of parishioners and students across the Diocese of Erie. A total of 36 parishes and five Catholic schools took part in the 2025 campaign, which ran from Mother’s Day through Father’s Day.

Phil Legler, chairman of the Baby Bottle Fundraiser, emphasized the mission behind the effort. “The Knights of Columbus is one of the largest pro-life organizations in the world,” he said. “We do this for God, the women, and the unborn babies. A real thank you to all the parishioners and students at the schools who participated.”

Co-chairman Greg Penco shared that the overall collection totaled $104,000 this year, with $88,659 designated for the Erie Women’s Care Center. Penco explained that parish coordinators play a crucial role in the campaign’s success. “At each parish, the drive begins with a short talk by a Knight or the pastor,” he said. “In some cases, bulletin inserts help spread the word. We also organize bottle-stuffing events before distribution, using materials provided by the Women’s Care Center.”

Randy Newport, executive director of the Women’s Care Center, expressed gratitude for the continued support. “These funds ultimately help save lives,” Newport said. “They allow us to purchase new ultrasound machines, which we now have at all four of our locations…three permanent centers and one mobile unit.”

Those attending the check presentation included Bishop Persico; Randy Newport; Phil Legler; Greg Penco; Denny Deiner; Tom Palisin; Frank Supinski; Frank Wargo; Jim and Geri Smith; Marty Drabic; Dave Spacht; Stephen Eidell; Lew Nordin; Kevin Smith; and Jason Ladouceur.

Their shared commitment reflects the power of faith and community working together to protect life and support women and families throughout northwestern Pennsylvania.