Southern Ohio Pregnancy Center hosts 24th annual Walk for Life, Bike for Life
Lead Summary
By
Rory Ryan-hcpress@cinci.rr.com
Numerous walkers enjoyed a Saturday morning hike through uptown Hillsboro for the 24th annual Southern Ohio Pregnancy Center Walk for Life and Bike for Life on Saturday, Sept. 17.
"Isn't God amazing?" Southern Ohio Pregnancy Center Executive Director Cathy Griffith asked as she welcomed the walkers and bikers in attendance as they gathered outside the center and the Hillsboro Church of Christ on West Walnut Street in Hillsboro just before 9 a.m.
After a light round of applause from the walkers, Griffith said, "You can do better than that!"
And they did.
Griffith, who has served as SOPC director since 2007 and previously served as the chairman of the center's board, also asked for recognition for all the area ministers and church liaisons who were participating and supporting the annual fundraiser.
"We can't do what we do without you," Griffith said. "Thank you for all you have done. Thank you for honoring life."
Griffith told the walkers and volunteers, "You are walking for our babies and their families, and for the young people in our schools who have heard that abstinence education works."
Griffith pointed out that in 2007, Highland County ranked fourth in Ohio in teen pregnancies. Today, the county has reduced the number of teen pregnancies, and now is 16th in the state.
She attributes the success to abstinence education in the schools.
"We know there's still more work to do," she said.
Griffith also thanked the SOPC board members and volunteers and thanked Second District Congressman Brad Wenstrup for again participating in the walk. The congressman was joined by his wife, Monica, and their son, Brad, Jr.
Upon leaving the center, walkers were instructed to follow the uptown route and circle the historic Highland County Courthouse twice. "After the first time around the courthouse, please release your balloons," Griffith said. "The second time, please stop and pray. It is in the courthouses of America where the worst decisions seem to be made. They need our prayers."
Following the release of three doves by Tom Dean, the walkers began their Saturday morning trek through the city's historic district.
SOPC was founded in 1991 to serve women with untimely or unexpected pregnancies. The office provides pregnancy tests, counseling, and educational material, all of which are free and confidential. The SOPC is funded by private donations and their two primary fundraisers, the Walk for Life and their SOPC Banquet. SOPC is located at 125 West Walnut Street in Hillsboro. For more information or to make a donation, contact the office at (937) 393-2990 or visit their website at http://www.sopcwecare.com.
"Isn't God amazing?" Southern Ohio Pregnancy Center Executive Director Cathy Griffith asked as she welcomed the walkers and bikers in attendance as they gathered outside the center and the Hillsboro Church of Christ on West Walnut Street in Hillsboro just before 9 a.m.
After a light round of applause from the walkers, Griffith said, "You can do better than that!"
And they did.
Griffith, who has served as SOPC director since 2007 and previously served as the chairman of the center's board, also asked for recognition for all the area ministers and church liaisons who were participating and supporting the annual fundraiser.
"We can't do what we do without you," Griffith said. "Thank you for all you have done. Thank you for honoring life."
Griffith told the walkers and volunteers, "You are walking for our babies and their families, and for the young people in our schools who have heard that abstinence education works."
Griffith pointed out that in 2007, Highland County ranked fourth in Ohio in teen pregnancies. Today, the county has reduced the number of teen pregnancies, and now is 16th in the state.
She attributes the success to abstinence education in the schools.
"We know there's still more work to do," she said.
Griffith also thanked the SOPC board members and volunteers and thanked Second District Congressman Brad Wenstrup for again participating in the walk. The congressman was joined by his wife, Monica, and their son, Brad, Jr.
Upon leaving the center, walkers were instructed to follow the uptown route and circle the historic Highland County Courthouse twice. "After the first time around the courthouse, please release your balloons," Griffith said. "The second time, please stop and pray. It is in the courthouses of America where the worst decisions seem to be made. They need our prayers."
Following the release of three doves by Tom Dean, the walkers began their Saturday morning trek through the city's historic district.
SOPC was founded in 1991 to serve women with untimely or unexpected pregnancies. The office provides pregnancy tests, counseling, and educational material, all of which are free and confidential. The SOPC is funded by private donations and their two primary fundraisers, the Walk for Life and their SOPC Banquet. SOPC is located at 125 West Walnut Street in Hillsboro. For more information or to make a donation, contact the office at (937) 393-2990 or visit their website at http://www.sopcwecare.com.