Cornerstone Plans 11th Outdoor Fundraiser

Last year, Cornerstone Reproductive Health moved its annual Walk for Life event from Gap to a New Holland location that organizers thought would be more central to the ministry's service area. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate on the day of the event.

"(Our) 2024 (date) was a not such a great weather day," lamented Olivia Imchen, director of programs with Cornerstone. "We have had quite a few years of rainy and overcast (weather)."

For 2025, Cornerstone will be back in New Holland with an event that will feature a 5K walk, cornhole tournament, and a host of children's activities. "We are really praying for good weather," said Imchen. "If we have a good day, we would have a lot more (attendees). We are hoping it will be sunny and the community will come out." Imchen noted that organizers hope to attract residents of nearby retirement communities and their grandchildren along with members of local churches.

The 11th annual Walk for Life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to noon at New Holland Church of the Nazarene, 428 Ranck Road, New Holland. Both the walk and the cornhole event will begin at 9 a.m.

As in 2024, the 5K walk will be on the walking trail behind the church. Because the trail is only a mile long, walkers will do three loops to equal 5K distance. The walk is open to people of all ages, and prizes will be awarded to the individual walker and team of walkers who collect the most funds from sponsorships. Children who walk the trail will receive a passport booklet they can have stamped at various spots. "At different points on the trail, we have stations that correlate with gestational ages and the size of the baby with a different fruit," said Imchen. "A blueberry is seven weeks." Imchen explained that the correlating signs begin with a mustard seed, include a raspberry and a lime, and end with the watermelon. "It's fun to have those visuals to give them an idea how fast the baby is growing," Imchen said. Children who complete one loop will receive a prize from a prize box. "If they do all three loops, we have decorative rocks with little creatures and animals," stated Imchen. To register ahead and seek sponsors for the 5K walk, readers may visit http://www.pacornerstone.org and click on "About" and then "Events." Day-of registration at the event is also welcomed.

The amateur cornhole tournament, which was held for the first time in 2024, will be held this year as well. "People really enjoyed it, so we're doing it again," said Imchen. Those wishing to participate are asked to sign up in teams of two. Cornhole registration must be completed at the aforementioned website. "Look for the button that says walk/cornhole registration," directed Imchen. Cornhole teams must sign up by Tuesday, Sept. 16, to participate. Prizes will be awarded for the first-, second- and third-place winners of the tournament.

A Kids Zone will be open throughout the event. Imchen reported that an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, balloon animals, baby chicks, and a hayride will all be included in the activities. "Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary (will give a presentation), and Ornate Dance Theatre is coming to do a dance party," noted Imchen. "There will be lots of different stations and lots of activities."

Free food will also be offered during the day. Food items to be given away will include hot dogs, popcorn, chips, and a sweet treat. Packets of tickets will be given to each registrant to redeem for free food.

Cornerstone serves as a resource for women experiencing unexpected pregnancies. It offers free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, prenatal services, and parenting incentive programs, along with other services. The agency also has a mobile medical unit, which can provide ultrasounds and other services out in the community. The Cornerstone Reproductive Health Mobile Medical Unit has been located at a number of areas in the county, including spots in New Holland and Quarryville.

More information about Cornerstone, which is located at 5380 Lincoln Highway, Gap, is available by visiting http://www.facebook.com/cornerstonereproductivehealth or calling 717-442-8694.

In the event of inclement weather on the date of the event, information about any changes will be announced on the on the Facebook page. Should the walk be postponed, a modified event will be held on Sunday, Sept. 28.