AUBURN - Advocates for the Auburn Birthing Center are still hopeful they will have the funds to reopen.

The Auburn Birthing Center closed their doors on February 1, after one of the owners allegedly was unable to buy out the other owner.

Dr. Thaddeus R. Weghorst, obstetrician and gynecologist, built the Auburn Birthing Center in 2010.

Stephanie VanderHorst, CNM, MSN, who also owns part of the Auburn Birthing Center, has been involved since its 2010 inception.

Dr. Weghorst told Vanderhorst in December of 2023 he wanted to sell the birthing center.

VanderHorst decided to buy his portion of ownership. Dr. Weghorst told VanderHorst he needs $400,000 for the sale by February 1, 2024.

VanderHorst needs $130,000 in order to make the $400,000 asking price.

Michelle Dunn, a certified birth doula and advocate for Auburn Birthing Center, created the LINKA page in order to help VanderHorst meet her goal.

Fundraising attempts by the "Friends of Auburn Birthing Center," have proven to be successful; however, the $130,000 goal was not met by February 1 resulting in the closure.

Dunn and VanderHorst are not throwing in their towels just yet.

In a Facebook post the Auburn Birthing Center said, "We are hopeful this closure is temporary. While we do not know the future, we know who holds our future and we trust in Christ and Christ alone. We have heard your voices, prayers and felt your love and support. We are overwhelmed at the generosity of our community."

As of February 9, a total of $50,833 has been raised on the LINKA page.