Event supports Crisis Pregnancy Center

Don’t forget about the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Tidewater’s Walk for Life event this month.

The event will be held April 16 in downtown Suffolk. Those who can’t attend that event can also go to a similar event April 30 in Norfolk.

“We’re really excited about the Walk for Life,” Desiree Gaul, communications manager for Crisis Pregnancy Center, said in February. “It’s one of our biggest events of the year.”

The event raises money for the Crisis Pregnancy Center, which offers a variety of medical, counseling and practical services to support women dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. One location is in Suffolk at 302 N. Main St., where the walk will begin.

About five years ago, Gaul said, the Hampton Roads area had the highest rate of abortions in the state. Since CPC opened a medical clinic in Norfolk, the rate has declined — but the organization’s work is far from done.

More than 8,000 abortions are performed each year just in South Hampton Roads, Gaul said. That’s about one abortion for every two babies born.

In 2010, the organization served more than 1,600 clients.

The Walk for Life is a fun way to support the work of the organization and help raise money for its work.

This year’s theme is “Rescue,” and the Chesapeake fire department will pitch in with a fire truck and ambulance for the children to discover. Participants are encouraged to form teams for the event.

During the Suffolk event, participants can take a tour of the Keim Center in Suffolk. Check-in begins at 8:15 a.m.

For more information on the walks or the Crisis Pregnancy Center, visit www.cpcfriends.org or call 410-9703.