More than 100 turn out to support faith-based programs

By TERESA RESSEL
Daily Journal Staff Writer

Sunday, October 12, 2008 8:06 AM CDT

FARMINGTON '” Dozens of people walked two miles in downtown Farmington Saturday morning to raise money for the Parkland Pregnancy Resource Center.

Third grader, Allison Nelson, of Park Hills, raised $509 for the faith-based organization which her grandmother, where her grandmother, Donna Masson, works.

Allison's mom, Lesli, said Allison has been participating in the Walk For Life for the past three years and increases her goal each year. Her goal this year was $500.

Allison asked neighbors, people at school and businesses for donations. Her biggest supporter was Belgrade State Bank, where her father works.

Allison, her mom, Pastor Bob and Carol Eggers and a dozen others were part of Park Hills Trinity Lutheran Church's God's Lifesavers Pro Life Group team. With Allison's money, the team raised $1,104. They'd been collecting money for a month and hope to continue to raise money for the center, which will soon be moving to Park Hills.

Team member, Jan Faskell walked with her dog, Lulu, and her brother, Michael Jerome. She turned in the money for the team. Faskell said taking part in the fundraiser was very rewarding especially because of what it does.

The center offers free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, parenting classes, free maternity and baby clothes, a baby boutique and other services that help women and their families. The center is supported completely by donations. It is currently located at 210 North A Street in Farmington but will be moving to 815 East Main in Park Hills.

Volunteers were excited about how many people showed up for the walk '” many more than last year.

'�I can't believe how many people are here,'� Kim Nash, executive director said just before the walk kicked off with a prayer and praise hymn.

Rev. Jonathan Jones, chairperson of the Pregnancy Resource Center Board was very excited about the turnout. Last year, 99 registered for the walk and more than 125 participated, raising $19,000. This year, 130 pre-registered and even more participated. The goal was to raise $26,000.

He said the walk fundraiser would go a long way to help with their new building. He hopes to be in it by the end of December.

Ten walkers from his church participated in the walk and he was proud each raised more than $200 for the walk. Anyone who raised more than $200 got a T-shirt.

He said a lot of churches are budgeting money for the center monthly or annually. Some host baby showers. Individuals and businesses have also contributed.

Since the center opened on Oct. 31, 2005, 328 new clients have walked through the doors. The center serves St. Francois, Reynolds, Iron, Wayne, Ste. Genevieve, Washington and Madison counties.

More than 150 pregnancy tests have been given, and 60 ultrasounds. More than 1,500 appointments have been made for parenting classes. The center does not make appointments for abortions but offers post-abortion counseling.

Teresa Ressel is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 179 or at tressel@dailyjournalonline.com.

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