Last Saturday, June 20, was a great day to celebrate life, as Alpha Family Center held its yearly fundraising event, LifeWalk.

“Everyone who walked received a “Walk in Love” T-shirt that relays the message that we care about the unborn babies we are walking for,” said Lorrie Shelton, former Executive Director.

The day began with 18 runners taking part in Alpha’s second annual 5 K LifeRun. Chris Anton, youth pastor at The Springs Church, awarded the trophies and medals to top runners. LifeWalk began with a welcome, instructions about the walk, and an opening prayer. A crowd of over 174 walkers followed behind the Lifewalk banner for the 2 mile walk down through the heart of Cedar Springs, stopping at key points to pray for our community leaders, churches, schools and Alpha Family Center. This year the walk route included a prayer stop at Metron Senior Citizen Center that emphasizes life as precious at all stages.

The walkers returned to the park for a time of refreshment, door prizes, face painting, a clown for kids, and a report that included the total amount raised this year, which was over $13,000. LifeWalk covers a huge portion of Alpha’s operating expenses as they assist over 100 families per month, and give away over 18,000 baby and maternity items per year.  Alpha also offers free pregnancy self-testing, parenting classes, support for abuse, miscarriage, post-abortion and sexual integrity classes.

Teresa Hathaway, LifeWalk Coordinator and new interim Executive Director presented the awards for top walker and coloring contest winners.  Lorrie Shelton was honored as she retires from Alpha after twenty plus years of service. “I have enjoyed being a part of this amazing pro-life ministry and thank the community for all the support throughout the years,” she said.

LifeWalk ended with a closing prayer and the sky filled with colorful balloons that were released in memory of the 54,000,000 babies that have been aborted since abortion became legal in 1973.