Meet Life Campaign : Protecting the Unborn in Missouri

Worthy leaders, the "Meet Life" Campaign remains one of our most vital initiatives. Below is the essential breakdown of where we have been, the new challenges we face, and how your council can answer the call to action.

Phase 1: The History & Proven Success

Established on July 16, 2011, by the Missouri State Council Knights of Columbus, the "Meet Life" Campaign set out to reduce abortions in Missouri by 50%. Partnering with the Vitae Foundation and In His Image Ultrasound , the mission focused on placing ultrasound technology in local pregnancy centers and utilizing mass media to direct women to those centers. The results of your generosity speak for themselves:

$2,000,000 Raised: Achieved through donations over the initial 5-year period.
$500,000 Endowment: Established via a generous private donor contribution.
44 Ultrasound Machines Placed: Installed in pregnancy resource centers across the state by the end of the 2018–2019 fraternal year.
Historic Decline in Abortions: Abortions in Missouri dropped from 9,796 in 2010 down to 6,790 in 2017—marking the lowest number since 1973.

A New Challenge: Why Ultrasounds Matter

Pro-abortion groups have actively worked in Missouri to establish abortion as a constitutional amendment. The Knights of Columbus, alongside statewide pro-life coalitions, are leading the charge to defeat this at the ballot box. Ultrasounds remain our most powerful tool. By showing expectant mothers the undeniable humanity of their unborn children, we counter pro-abortion rhetoric and provide the emotional and visual support women need to choose life. We have saved thousands of children with the ultrasound machines we have placed. It is with these ultrasound machines that we can continue to save lives and change minds.

How Your Council Can Help

Our ongoing statewide goal is to raise $200,000 annually to continue funding these efforts, with long-term endowments being established to eventually reduce this yearly target.

1. Meet Your Fundraising Goals - Every council is strongly encouraged to donate a minimum of $5 per member annually. Example: A council with 200 members has a target goal of $1,000. Recognition: Awards will be presented to councils that achieve 100% and 125% of their fundraising goals.

2. Take Local Action - Organize Fundraisers: Host Baby Bottle Campaigns, parish breakfasts, or dedicated dinners. Second Collections: Request permission from your pastor to hold a dedicated second collection after Mass. Promote Prayer: Utilize your parish bulletins to routinely remind parishioners to pray for the total end of abortion. Support Seasonal Appeals: Participate fully in the upcoming Fall and Spring appeal drives.

Donation & Contact Instructions

📋 How to Submit Funds

1. Make all checks payable to: “Columbian Charities”

2. Clearly designate the funds for the "Meet Life Campaign" on the memo line.

3. Include your Council, Assembly, or Auxiliary name and number.

4. Contact Greg Elsey at the email below for specific mailing instructions.

For promotional materials, fundraising assistance, or mailing instructions, please reach out to our campaign leadership:

Meet Life Chairman: Greg Elsey Phone: 417-861-1444 Email: meetlife@mokofc.org