Conservative columnist Cal Thomas is expected to speak at Gainesville Care Center’s 22nd annual fundraiser next week.

The pregnancy resource center invited the syndicated columnist to speak at its main annual fundraiser because of his support of anti-abortion ideals, said executive director Ann Gainey.

"He’s in the know on a whole lot of different levels, but one of the things he is interested in is the ‘life’ issue," said Gainey. "He speaks very eloquently on that issue."

The Gainesville Care Center is a non-denominational Christian ministry that provides complimentary and confidential pregnancy and STD testing as well as pregnancy support and post-abortion counseling to about 12,000 people in the community each year, Gainey said.

Thomas spoke at the Gainesville Care Center’s fundraiser five years ago, and ever since people have been asking Gainey when he was going to speak again, she said.

"He was such a hit with everybody that people wanted to have him back," she said.

This year, Thomas will speak to attendees about abortion issues and the current challenges of the economy, Gainey said.

Yet Gainey said it may not be Thomas that steals the show. Two women who have been helped by the care center also will share their stories at the banquet.

"Cal Thomas is a draw for a lot of people, but two weeks after the banquet, people will not be talking about Cal Thomas; they’ll be talking about the two clients who will share their experiences," Gainey said.

The event, which allows the organization to get closer to its $220,000 budget, is set for 6:45-8:45 p.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church banquet hall, Gainey said.

Tickets are $30 and attendees can pay $250 for an 8-by-10 inch photograph with Thomas.

Table sponsors and banquet sponsors who pay $250 and $500 respectively will receive one free photograph with Thomas.

For tickets, contact the Gainesville Care Center at 770-535-1413 by the end of the day today.