Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center sponsored its annual spring fundraising event on Saturday, bringing together individuals who believe in the sanctity of life and the importance of informed decisions. The Walk for Life was conducted to generate monetary and community support for the Pregnancy Resource Center's purpose -- to save unborn babies by educating pregnant women and girls about the options to abortion, and in the process support the mother and celebrate life.

Rainy weather kept the Walk for Life from leaving the Lincoln Christian Church to exhibit balloons and T-shirts designed for the occasion, restricting the event to the church activity room. Tony Shuff offered a prayer for the event, noting the group had come together for peace, for unborn children and to help women refrain from making a decision that would threaten a life, blemish their souls and cause a lifetime of regrets.

William Dolan offered his own story of being the child of teenage parents who chose to give him up for adoption. Dolan reminded the group that if Roe v. Wade had been legalized several years sooner, he would not have been there on Saturday to speak to them. He then performed a self-written song professing salvation from despair through his faith.

The Pregnancy Resource Center offers free pregnancy tests and will make ultrasound referrals. Linda Nelson, director of the center, explained the assorted programs. "Prenatal classes explain the pregnancy process, videos are used to explain body changes experienced during pregnancy, and we talk about what to expect at the hospital," Nelson said. "We provide a supportive environment to encourage a healthy and happy experience before and after the baby's birth."

The program brochure for Helping Others Parent through Education states that it offers information to help individuals understand pregnancy, increases knowledge of challenges and joys of parenting, and gives participants the opportunity to earn redeemable points for maternity items, baby supplies and equipment. Women and girls can begin attending during the pregnancy and continue until their baby is 18 months old.

Visit the Pregnancy Resource Center, 308 N. Union in Lincoln, call 735-4838 or email lincoln@hopeforafuture.com for more information on programs and services. The Living Alternatives website is http://hopeforafuture.com/.

Reporting and pictures by Marla Blair

(From left) Debbie Mileham and Justin Montour were successful in selling all the items donated to the bake sale at the Walk for Life. Charlotte Gaither made her selection from a wide variety of cookies, cakes, brownies and rolls, thanks to many good bakers and their assorted specialties.

Dozens of items were donated for the silent auction held during Living Alternatives Walk for Life on Saturday at the Lincoln Christian Church. Several items were on display, and gift certificates were available for meals and services from area restaurants and businesses.

Almost 100 participants signed up for the Walk for Life on Saturday. Paid entrants received a T-shirt and as many balloons as they could handle. The event attracted several children and their parents, including toddlers and infants along for the ride in their strollers.

At the Walk for Life on Saturday, William Dolan (left) offered a testimony on abortion; Linda Nelson (center), director of the Pregnancy Resource Center, welcomed walkers, made announcements and introduced speakers; and Ashli Brown, executive director over Illinois' North Region (four of 12) Living Alternatives centers, attended the event to show her support for staff and volunteers.

Lincoln resident Mary Stone, 22, attended the Walk for Life because she "likes babies and wants mothers to be happy." Mary attends the Lincoln Christian Church and is a volunteer at the Christian Nursing Home. As well as walking for the cause, she made a donation at the face-painting table and chose the Dalmatian for her cheek.

Director Linda Nelson, volunteers and staff from the Pregnancy Resource Center hosted the Walk for Life on Saturday. Robin McClallen (green sweatshirt) volunteers four days each week. She and her husband, Terry, are on the stewardship committee, which plans and conducts fundraising activities for the center.

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