FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 24, 2006

Community Makes “Walk” a Success for Ruth Harbor
Des Moines, Iowa – RUTH HARBOR, a home for young women facing unplanned pregnancies, recently held its first annual “Walk for Life” to raise awareness and raise funds for its mission of caring for young women and their babies. More than 100 community members displayed their support for the work of Ruth Harbor by raising more than $20,500 in gifts and pledges. Previous spring fundraising events for Ruth Harbor have netted about $5,000 each year, so there is great enthusiasm among Ruth Harbor staff and leadership with this year’s results.

The “Walk for Life” was held on the Meredith Trail near downtown Des Moines and coincided with Mother’s Day weekend, as well as the fifth anniversary of operation for Ruth Harbor.

“WALK” APPROACH IS RIGHT FOR MANY SUPPORTERS
While a walk is not a new approach to raising funds or awareness, Mark McDougal, executive director at Ruth Harbor believes it fits strategic planning for funding their care for young women. “Some contributors look at our mission and decide to support it directly with their checkbook. Others who care about helping our young clients want a hands-on method of helping. They may or may not have financial resources to give, but will gladly talk with others and invite them to participate by sponsoring their two-mile walk.”

McDougal’s comments are supported by the results. Sponsored walkers turned out in 45-degree temperatures and the enthusiasm for Ruth Harbor’s mission was evident by the fact that the average walker raised over $200, and one six-year old registered with $1,080 of sponsorship.

RAISING AWARENESS IS ALSO KEY
When walkers find sponsors, they naturally talk to them about Ruth Harbor and how it helps young women facing unplanned pregnancies. McDougal and others believe it is important for a broad section of the community to know about Ruth Harbor’s services and support for clients. Therefore, the Walk helps raise awareness as well as funds.

To see more details, results, and photos from Ruth Harbor’s 2006 Walk for Life, visit www.rutharbor.org

For more information, contact the Ruth Harbor offices at (515) 279-4661 from 8:30 to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or by email through its web site. rutharbor@rutharbor.org

About ruth harbor
Ruth Harbor is a program and home for young women who are facing unplanned pregnancies. It is located on the southwest corner of 42nd and Ingersoll. The organization was founded by three local women and opened its doors to serve residents for the first time in May 2001. Ruth Harbor was incorporated with the state of Iowa in 1996, granted non-profit status by the I.R.S. in 1997, and is licensed as a community residential care facility by the Iowa Department of Human Services.

Beyond meeting the food and shelter needs of its residents, Ruth Harbor’s programming includes:

Counseling
Quality Health Care
Life-skill training
Parent Training and Adoption Education
Spiritual Guidance
Education and/or employment support
The programs and operating budget are funded through contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Government funding is not utilized. For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact the Ruth Harbor office at (515) 279-4661 or visit its website at www.rutharbor.org.

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