St. Joachim’s Walk-For-Life raises close to $3,500

Stefanie Frith

With friends and family to cheer them on, about 40 members of St.

Joachim Church participated Saturday morning in the annual Walk-For-Life

in Costa Mesa.

Now in it’s sixth year, the Walk-For-Life, sponsored by the St.

Joachim Pro-Life Committee, supports the Life Centers of Orange County.

This year’s event raised about $3,500, with perhaps more to come, said

Diane Brown, church treasurer.

The Life Centers were established in 1975, and their services include

pregnancy testing, professional counseling, medical referrals and aid in

finding financial and housing assistance. Their goal is to allow women

the opportunity to carry their child to term with respect and the

assurance that they can obtain prenatal care and counseling assistance

during and after their pregnancy.

“We had a lot of fun,” Brown said. “There were lots of balloons and

enthusiasm and lots of kids and strollers. There’s even one woman who is

in her nineties that only will walk for this event.”

Some of the event’s sponsors included the Sunflour Bakery, Mimi’s

Cafe, Newport Rib Company and Sonny’s Costa Mesa Pontiac.

“It was great to have the families and kids out there,” said Steven

Delacy, church member. “We really rely on the diehards to get the

sponsorships and walk.”

Each walker was sponsored by friends, family and businesses for the

one-lap route around the church on Orange Avenue. Ila Johnson, a member

of the church, said it was fellow church member Estelle Redoutey who

received the most sponsorship.

“She raised $1,500,” Johnson said. “Last year she only had $1,000. She

just goes around after Mass and asks people for donations. She just knows

everyone and people can’t say no to her.”

Johnson also said even dogs were coming out for the event.

“At one point, Steve [Delacy] had to rescue this little white dog that

just appeared and kept running around,” Johnson said with a laugh. “He

had to drive it to his house so the owner could hopefully come get it”

Before the walk began, a group photo was taken, including celebrity

walkers Pastor Joe Robillard, school principal Rachel Martinez and former

mayor and current councilman Gary Monahan.

“It’s always neat to have the pastor join you,” Brown said. “Everyone

likes to help out the community in a crisis and alternatives to

abortion.”