Inverness organization raises nearly $35,000 for women and children

At a time when so many social service agencies are struggling to avoid cutbacks, the folks at the Society for the Preservation of Human Dignity were gratified by a recent wave of support.

More than 125 golfers from as far as California and Texas gathered this month at Barrington’s Makray Memorial Golf Club for a fundraiser that brought in close to $35,000.

Founded 41 years ago, the Inverness-based nonprofit organization helps women who are pregnant or parenting young children in the community.

“We are so pleased that we could educate more golfers this year about the work we do at PHD,” Executive Director Catherine Vincus said. “Every person who came out has the potential to be affected by depression, unplanned pregnancy, parenting struggles or grief and loss of a child. To know a place like PHD exists is tremendous.”

Proceeds from the event will help fund programs such as professional counseling, education, prevention services and the Baby and Maternity Closet. All of PHD’s intervention services are free.

In 2011, more than 1,100 women received help.

For more information, visit sphd.org.