Pregnancy Care Center’s annual event, inaugural 5K run Saturday

Published 9:01 am Friday, June 13, 2014

Submitted photo Hundreds gathered for last year’s LifeWalk event in Niles.

Submitted photo
Hundreds gathered for last year’s LifeWalk event in Niles.

Saturday is a big day for employees, supporters and users of the Pregnancy Care Center in Niles.

The non-profit organization’s annual LifeWalk will be held that morning following the Care Center’s inaugural Super Hero 5K run.

Jamie Boling, community relations coordinator, said funds raised from the LifeWalk account for about a third of the yearly budget for the Care Center, which offers free resources for women who are pregnant, parents and those seeking help with relationships.

The goal for this year’s event is $40,000.

“It is critically important for us to make that budget so we can continue to provide those resources for anyone who walks through our door,” said Boling.

The day begins with a timed 5K run with prizes awarded to the top finishers. The race begins at 8 a.m. at Niles High School and finishes at Riverfront Park in downtown Niles. Race day registration opens at 7 a.m. Cost is $30. More than 100 have pre-registered.

Boling said Carbon’s Golden Malted Waffle truck will be serving breakfast at the high school beginning at 7 a.m. All proceeds will be donated to the Care Center.

Following the race, registration will begin at 9 a.m. at Riverfront Park for the LifeWalk, which begins at 10 a.m. at the amphitheater. The walk is free. Walkers will travel up Main Street in downtown Niles and stop at the Care Center, 527 E. Main St., before circling back to the park.

Boling said participants have been raising money for the walk for more than a month.

Family friendly activities, including a bounce house, face painting, snow cones and live music will take place at 9 a.m. at Riverfront Park. The Niles Salvation Army will also be offering free hot dogs and water beginning at 10 a.m.

Boling said the Care Center typically raises between $30,000 and $35,000 during the walk, but organizers are hoping to generate more money this year to help support a few new programs.

For instance, the Care Center began offering free ultrasounds on Thursdays about a year ago. The organization also hired Niles’ Mary Riggenbach to work part time as a registered nurse.

If enough funds are raised, Boling said the Care Center would begin offering testing for sexually transmitted infections.

Another third of the Care Center’s funding comes from its annual benefit dinner, which takes place Oct. 14.

The final third comes from other sources, such as people who provide monthly pledges and baby bottle drives.

For more information about the Care Center, including a scheduled of programs, visit the website pccniles.com or call them at (269) 684-6200.