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Citizens turn out to raise money for Pregnancy Resource Center
Regan Hill photo
Chris Ostwalt (left), Robert Dante (center) and Pastor William Anderson (right) lead the 11th annual Life Walk down Davie Avenue on Saturday morning.
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Published: September 20, 2009
More than 300 people laced up their tennis shoes Saturday morning for the 11th annual Pregnancy Resource Center Life Walk in Statesville.
Greeted by the soothing music of Narrow Path, participants gathered on the lawn of First Baptist Church on Davie Avenue to show their support for the nonprofit organization. This was the first walk for new director Vickie Miglin, and she hoped the large crowd and banner would raise awareness for the cause.
"All of the Pregnancy Resource Center's services are free and confidential, and fundraisers like these help us pay for that," she said. "We help young women and families in crisis situations, when they realize they're pregnant and don't know where to turn."
Miglin said the Pregnancy Resource Center's facility offers resources and counseling about the expecting mother's options and offers parenting classes and an "Earn While You Learn" program in which participants earn points for completing assignments and classes that allow them to shop in the nonprofit's baby boutique.
"We're hoping to raise $22,000 solely with the support of area individuals, churches and organizations in Iredell County," she added. "We hope this walk will make it known what we do and how we serve the area. Today, we're celebrating and affirming life."
Led by Pastor Will Anderson and members of his congregation at New Perth ARP, the participants made their way down Davie Avenue to the resource center's North Tradd Street location. After a quick prayer at the center and returning to the church, free food from Chick-fil-A and JB's Hot Dogs, face painting, a clown and other activities completed the day.
Andrea Sherrill came to the walk with her friend Melanie Harrell to support the center and "the great work that it does."
"I'm thankful that there's a crisis organization like this in the area to reach out to and give people hope," Sherrill said.
Harrell, who volunteers for the center, said that as a mother of two, she's glad there is a place for women to turn when they might not know where to start.
"There's so many questions, like 'How do I pay for a child?' and 'What should I do?' " she said. "Events like these let the community come together and show young mothers they're not alone. They might feel like no one loves them or that they're by themselves, but we're here to encourage them."
With his wife working the registration booth, Robert Dunford came out to support the cause he hears so much about at home.
"I hear every day how many people have been helped and how many lives have been changed, so I'm proud to come out and be a part of this," he said. "It's a good cause and it showcases what's available. By the looks of the crowd, it appears to be a success."
Mary Grizzard was also on hand to walk with the large crowd and bring awareness to the center.
"I have a real place in my heart for ladies in this situation and the Resource Center is an excellent source of hope and help," she said. "There's a lot of girls that find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy and it can be really scary without the support of your friends, your family or your church."
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