MOUNT VERNON – Care Net Pregnancy Services of Knox County will host its 22nd Annual Walk for Life, followed by ceremonies to mark formal rebranding as Starting Point, Saturday, October 11th.
This annual fund raising event is one of the Christ centered organization’s primary sources of revenue; Care Net/ Starting Point’s entire funding comes from individuals, businesses and churches. The walk and rebranding activities will be held at the Care Net/Starting Point Center, at 11 Woodlake Trail.
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., and the walk at 10. Starting Point grand opening ceremonies and ribbon cutting will follow at 11:15. The goal is 200 sponsored walkers and $50,000 in pledges.
Live radio reports are scheduled by WNZR (90.9 FM, The Lifeline), WQIO (Super Q 93.7 FM) and WMVO (AM 1300). Family friendly activities include: hot dogs, refreshments, face-painting, clowns and llamas. Guided tours of the facility will include the ultrasound and recently acquired “Baby Sims” that help to demonstrate the hazards of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Shaken Baby Syndrome and drug use during pregnancy.
All services to clients of Starting Point are provided at no cost to them by caring staff and trained volunteers and are completely confidential. Pregnancy tests and confirmations, limited OB ultrasounds, and “Earn While You Learn” parenting classes are among services offered. Approximately 350 individuals are served each year by Care Net/Starting Point.
“We’re excited to have this opportunity to share the mission of Starting Point with our community,” said Executive Director Lois Carter. “Funds raised through the Walk for Life will assure women and men in our community non-judgmental support and access to all information they need at a critical moment in their lives. Our message is one of hope as we empower women and men to Get Information… Get Answers… Start Here. “
“We‘re going through more than a name change,” Carter added. “This is a thorough rebranding process that reflects our commitment and passion to serve those who need it most. We want to be their Starting Point.”
Carter stated the organization’s mission and vision remain constant, and affiliations with Care Net National, Heartbeats International and the National Institute of Family Life Advocates will continue.
More information about the October 11th Walk for Life and registration forms are available atwww.CareNetCommunity.com, click on the events tab; or call 393-5074. Regular office hours are 1-7 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, 1 – 5 p.m., Wednesday and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Thursday.