Sneakers, strollers and walking sticks helped some 750 participants make the 1.3-mile trek across part of Cleveland during New Hope Pregnancy Care Center’s 15th annual Walk for Life on Sept. 24, but it was the money raised by those participants that will help New Hope provide free services to the community, and center officials say they are grateful.

“We are so thankful for those who participate in the Walk for Life,” Tracie Shellhouse, New Hope’s executive director, said. “The money raised each year enables us to meet the needs of our community through our free and confidential services.”

Services include pregnancy tests, parenting classes, baby and maternity items, peer counseling, and post abortion support groups. Each year many in the community are in need of New Hope’s services, according to Shellhouse.

“We had 1,009 client visits in 2010 alone,” she said.

Shellhouse said the community continues its support of New Hope, though, even as many are struggling financially due to the economy. She said the turnout at the Walk for Life was evidence of that.

“We were very blessed by the community,” she said. “Even though many are going through financially difficult times, they still came to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Funds are still being collected from the Walk, but Shellhouse said they have projected a total from the event.

“We expect to raise about $50,000 once all is said and done,” she said. “That includes the money already turned in from donations, money pledged and underwriting.”

Underwriters for the Walk for Life this year included, American Insurance Managers, Apple Valley Orchard, Award Realty, Beaty Fabricating, Bi-Lo Stores, Brooks Screen Prints, Caldwell Paving, Cleveland High School, Cleveland Plywood, Cleveland Tire, Cooke’s Food Store, Crooms & Co. Signs, LLC., Edward Jones Investments, Gilbert’s Collision Center, Gray Agency – Allstate Insurance, Harting, Bishop & Arrendale, Hearing Solutions, Jackie Evans Trucking, Jim Rush Funeral Home, Mix 104 FM, Mr. Zip, Ocoee Regional Health Corp., Peerless Pediatrics, Southern Heritage Bank, Starbucks, Sunrise Acceptance/Easy Auto, and UPS.

The Cleveland Police Department also showed their support during the event by providing officers to patrol traffic and ensure walker safety along Raider Drive, Keith Street, Peerless Road and other affected areas.

“They are so faithful to keep us safe,” Shellhouse said. “We are very grateful for that.”

The First Baptist Church Praise Band was on hand to kick-off the event and state Rep. Kevin Brooks and state Sen. Mike Bell sponsored the Mix 104 FM live radio remote at the Walk. U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann attended the event and spoke to the crowd, as well.

“The Walk and the annual banquet may be the biggest fund-raising events we have each year,” Shellhouse said, “but we could not make it without our monthly donors, volunteers, churches and supporters who raise money through smaller fund-raising efforts all year.”

For example, Shellhouse said the center has tickets for sale for the upcoming Belk Charity Sale. They are $5 each and can be purchased at the center’s two locations (Mouse Creek Road and Blythe Avenue). The sale will be at the Belk store in Bradley Square Mall Nov. 5 from 6 to 10 a.m.

Other ways community members can help support the ministry of New Hope is through Baby Bottle Boomerangs, Baby Showers and Diaper Drives.

“We will gladly discuss the details of having one of these fund-raising events with anyone interested,” Shellhouse said.

She said there are also Walk for Life T-shirts available at the center for $15 each in all sizes. Proceeds from shirt sales will benefit the center, as well.

Anyone interested in donating to, or participating in an event for New Hope should contact the center at 479-5825. Information about the center can also be found on the center’s website, www.newhopepcc.org.