Walk for Life

The growing popularity of adoption in Oklahoma can be attributed to many organizations' efforts toward raising awareness within their communities. One in particular has facilitated and coordinated adoptions for Tulsans young and old for more than three decades.

To celebrate the positive impact adoption has on so many families, Catholic Charities of Tulsa announces its 6th annual Walk for Adoption and Run for Life events scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 9. The public is invited to participate, especially those whose lives have been touched by adoption.

Hundreds of children in foster care await a permanent home, and the event serves to educate the public and raise funds to help take better care of them. Many Tulsans likely do not understand the situation that many foster children face at the hands of inadequate care.

Among the services offered by the Catholic Charities Adoption Services program are: assistance with international adoption, social services, support groups for birth mothers and adoptive families and crisis pregnancy counseling. Ultimately, Catholic Charities works to promote solid familial bonds and to preserve the sanctity of life.

The organization also hosts a comprehensive Web site where expectant mothers and women who believe they might be pregnant can find practical information and support.

The 5K run begins at Christ the King Parish, 6th and Quincy, and winds downtown to Holy Family Cathedral, then back south, returning to the playground at Christ the King.

Upon completion, participants are encouraged to stay for the Awards Ceremony and Victory Party, featuring drinks, food, music and a carnival for the children. Afterward, Christ the King holds Mass honoring those who have experienced an adoption.

Registration begins at 1pm at the parish playground at 16th and Rockford. To learn more about the event and Catholic Charities Adoption Services, contact Mary Lee Ingram, director of the program, at 585-8176 or visit www.catholiccharitiestulsa.org.