Suffolk News-Herald

It’s time to walk for the mothers.

The Tidewater Crisis Pregnancy Center is sponsoring its Walk for Life 2003 at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk on May 17. Check-in for the annual event begins at 8:30 a.m., with the walk through the zoo beginning at 9:30 a.m.

The walk, one of the pregnancy center’s three main fund-raisers of the year, isn’t competitive, said Marilyn Soto, the organization’s director of special projects. Walkers are encouraged to take their time, even bring their families and enjoy the morning walking through the zoo at their own pace, she said.

&uot;We’re making this an event to enjoy,&uot; she said. &uot;There will be a band, a comedian and clowns doing face painting for the kids.&uot;

Participants raise money by getting sponsors to financially support them for making the walk, Soto said.

The organization is hopeful walkers from across Hampton Roads will be able to bring in at least $100,000, more than double the $43,000 generated by last year’s event.

Walkers should pre-register for the event by calling Soto at 761-8444.

The Tidewater Crisis Pregnancy Center has several offices in Hampton Roads, including one at 816 W. Constance Road.

The center’s goal is educate girls on their options when they are pregnant,&uot; said Soto.

The center uses an array of resources to accomplish its mission, including:

?A library of educational materials and videotapes covering an array of pregnancy-related issues, including contraception and abortion;

?Referral services;

?Peer counseling for women who have had abortions in the past;

?Bi-weekly classes that will help women learn about pregnancy and motherhood. This class culminates with a &uot;Celebration of Life Party,&uot; where each new mother is given a layette for their baby.*A &uot;Baby Boutique&uot; that provides free maternity clothing, baby clothes, diapers, formula and the like for women who can’t afford it.