BY MELANIE BUCK –
Fresh Start Pregnancy Resource Center will host a Walk for Life as a fundraising event for the center on April 15, at Janssen Park in Mena. Candace Riner, organizer of the event, said they have wanted to host the event for several years and are now in a position to do so. “My heart for this is that people will understand the value of human life,” said Riner.
The pro-life event will start with check-ins between 8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., with the walk lasting from 10 a.m. until noon. The way to raise money is for individuals or teams to garner pledges from family, friends, and community members. Fresh Starts ultimate goal is to raise $13,000 through the event that will provide parents of unplanned pregnancies with a vast amount of resources through the center.
Fresh Start provides educational materials, training classes, diapers and essentials, life skills, and much, much more.
The Walk for Life is an event held by pregnancy resource and care centers across the nation, and Fresh Start is excited to be able to bring the occasion to the community. “This is the first time it has been hosted in Polk County,” said Riner. “Most of our community is pro-life and I thought it would be a great way to get the community involved. It will give churches, organizations, and community members a chance to show their support for life.”
Participants are asked to gather their pledges prior to the event and on the day of, walk two miles on a designated route in downtown Mena. It’s rain or shine, however, for inclement weather, the event will be cancelled and participants will be encouraged to walk the two miles on their own.
John Maddox, Jeanne Jordan, Andy Riner, and Russell Threet, Chairman of Fresh Start’s Board of Directors will all speak at the event, and entertainment will also be provided.
There are incentives to those who raise the most money. For raising $100 in pledges, you’ll earn a t-shirt and for $300 in pledges, you will receive a t-shirt and hoodie sweatshirt. For $500 raised, a t-shirt, hoodie, trophy, recognition, and awards breakfast, and for $750 or more, a t-shirt, hoodie, trophy, recognition, awards breakfast, and an extra surprise.
There are also opportunities for sponsorship of the event. If you would like your business logo on the back of the t-shirts, contact Candace Riner at Fresh Start.
Registration forms can be picked up at the Fresh Start Office, 1308 Hwy. 71 North in Mena, or go online to http://www.freshstartprc.org/events or give them a call at 479-394-1186 and a form can be mailed or emailed to you. Registration forms are also available at partnering church offices. Office hours for Fresh Start are Monday – Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., closed Friday – Sunday.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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