PRC Walk for Life fundraiser brings in record support

 

[May 01, 2024] 

The Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center Walk was held at the Laughlin Center on the Open Arms campus Saturday, April 27 from 9 to 11 a.m.

Tables were set up for check-in, registration, information, T-shirts and sweatshirts and door prize sign up. Staff and volunteers were helping at these stations.

Another table was set up with a variety of food and drinks.

At the information table there were brochures about the programs offered along with a list of the many services offered by the Pregnancy Resource Center at no cost.

Some of these programs include Mercies Refuge nine-month residential program and the h.o.p.e. parenting education program. One of their newer programs is willow story, which is a perinatal grief support program. They also host Deeper Still post abortion retreats.

Parents in the h.o.p.e program have opportunities to earn “Baby Bucks” to purchase needed supplies and equipment for taking care of their child. In the back room of Lincoln’s Pregnancy Resource Center, parents can purchase baby clothes with the “Baby Bucks.”

Other services offered include pregnancy testing, ultrasound screening, STI/STD testing, abstinence education, abortion pill reversal program, adoption support and information, disciple retreats and Bible studies.

A poster on the table listed and thanked all the sponsors who helped make the Walk possible.

In one corner was a basket of accessories to wear and pose at a photo booth.

Outside, there was an area set up for playing bags.

Around 9:30 a.m., the two mile group walk began. Those walking began just outside the Laughlin Center, then made their way around part of the chapel heading towards the sidewalk that led back around to the Laughlin Center. To make it two miles, they had to do five laps.

Signs around the circuit asked people to consider situations where they might need services at the Pregnancy Resource Center.

The door prizes available included gift cards or gift certificates from area businesses, a basket of goodies and water bottles.

Towards the end of the event Pregnancy Resource Center Director Ellen Orns shared a few announcements. Orns began by thanking everyone involved in the walk for their hard work and support. She said next year will be the Pregnancy Resource Center’s 40th year of offering services.

Over the year, the PRC walk has had a variety of themes. Orn said this year’s theme is “Today is the Day.” It is based on a Bible verse from Joshua 4. In this passage the Lord parted the waters of the Jordan River so the Israelites could come across on dry land. He instructed one of the individuals from each tribe to pick up a stone from middle of the riverbed. They carried the stones and stacked them up as a memorial to what God had done for them. It was a declaration that today is the day the Lord provided a way for them.

Orns said today is the day we are celebrating all that goes on at the Pregnancy Resource Center. She said there are many ways this theme can be carried over into what the center does. For example, someone could say, “today is the day I attended my mentor class and God equipped me.” Someone else might say “today is the day where I attended my Deeper Still retreat where I felt healing from my past abortion.” Another might say, “today is the day where someone supported me through my miscarriage.”

As Orns said we just want to be there for the women every single day right where they are. This day of celebration and walking helps make that happen.

This year, the total raised was $10,435, which Orn said was the biggest amount in about five years.

The top five walk fundraisers for 2024 were the Klokkenga [family] Team, Deborah Harvey, Linda Sheehan, Marsha Fernandez and Becca Yantz. Team Klokkenga raised $2470, Harvey raised $1120, Sheehan raised $1000, Fernandez raised $949 and Yantz raised $850.

Each of the top fundraisers received special prizes. Four of the top fundraisers posed for a group photo followed by all the walkers posing together.

Door prize winners included Deborah Harvey, Alice Doehring, Linda Sheehan, Becca Yantz, Brook Tompkins, Colleen DeVries, Cindy Taylor and Team Klokkenga. Gage Dannison won a jar of Hershey’s Kisses for guessing the exact amount in the jar, which held 150 kisses.

The event ended with a prayer by Orns thanking God for who He is and all His provisions. She said on this beautiful morning you have given us; today is the day we are celebrating all you do for us individually and at the center. In closing, Orns thanked God for who he is and his love for us, praying he would give everyone a great weekend.

Upcoming events include an open house on Thursday, May 16 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Living Alternative Pregnancy Resource Center’s location at 308 N. Union in Lincoln. The community is welcome to come to see the recent remodel and find out what they are supporting.

Right now, the center is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays. Orn said more volunteers are needed so they can be opened more hours.

On Thursday, September 19, the Pregnancy Resource Center Annual Banquet will be held at the Double Tree Hotel in Bloomington.

Guest speaker will be Matt Hammitt, formerly of the Christian group Sanctus Real. He stepped away from the band to be with his family after his wife went through a difficult pregnancy where she was encouraged to have an abortion. Hammitt will share their journey.

[Angela Reiners]