Care Clinic holds 50th annual Life Walk

The annual Life Walk, “Walking with Families,” hosted by the Care Clinic in Marquette looked a little different this year – instead of its usual location down at Lower Harbor in Marquette, the event started and ended right in the Third Street clinic’s backyard.

“We’re celebrating 50 years of serving families,” explained Executive Director Greg Gostomski, “we thought we’d switch it up a little bit!” The Care Clinic began in response to the original 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade, acting as a hotline for women to call, and ultimately growing into the pro-life, pro-family ministry it is today.

Upon realizing that many long-time donors had never even been inside the clinic, Gostomski and the team decided this was a golden opportunity to open the doors and show donors and supporters all that the Care Clinic has to offer the clients they serve up close and in person.

The walk began in the back parking lot on Saturday, June 17, with registration opening at 10 a.m. Perennial plants were available for purchase, and face-painting and games were available for kids’ entertainment.

Following the walk, participants gathered for a cook-out. Those who toured the clinic after the walk had the chance to check out the newly renovated kitchen space for use by employees, volunteers, and clinic clients. Notably, it features a beautiful depiction of the Last Supper on the wall.

As of June 22, the fundraising event had raised $26,000 in pledges and donations.

Gostomski shared his excitement and gratitude for the support of the clinic through “Walking with Families,” which is one of the clinic’s yearly fundraising events alongside their annual banquet held in the fall. “The day was a beautiful celebration of life and families,” Gostomski said. “We were thrilled at the opportunity for people to see the clinic, enjoy fellowship and honor loved ones.”

If you or someone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy or needs material and emotional support on the journey of parenthood, the Care Clinic offers its services at no charge to clients. Visit www.careclinicmqt.org to learn more about their services and locations in the Western Upper Peninsula.

To read this story and others in The U.P. Catholic, visit https://www.upcatholic.org/.