Organizers say the date is set for the 11th annual Sav-A-Life Walk for Life in Selma, and their fundraising goals are set even higher than last year.

With a growing and expanding pregnancy center that offers a place for Selma and Dallas County women to learn more about what it means to really give life to others.

Jennifer Dobbs, director of Sav-A-Life in Selma and Dallas County said the center raised nearly $11,000 at their bass tournament fundraiser in March and they hope to raise additional funds at the Walk for Life on Saturday, April 20 to be able to save more lives in the community from abortion.

“This is a really good family event to bring your children to and I think it’s good to teach our children at an early age to stand up for others who cant stand up for themselves,” Dobbs said.

She explained that the walk, which starts at First Baptist Church of Selma and winds through Old Town, will be a way for some to learn about what Sav-A-Life does and what programs they offer.

“We are hoping that the more people that can come and walk and bring their children, it will make such an impact in our community that if someone is contemplating abortion then they know that there are people out there that will help them,” Dobbs said, and added that those facing that decision don’t have to make the decision alone.

The walk will include similar activities as last year like balloons and face painting for children. This year the Knights of Columbus gave a $1,000 donation to the walk to relieve costs of t-shirts and other costly supplies.

The Walk For Life will wind participants through town and then they will have a chance to stop inside Sav-A-Life to see what they do on a daily basis — which includes free pregnancy testing, free parenting classes and counseling and even free baby supplies to support new mothers who aren’t sure how to make it on their own.

Dobbs said the center saw 151 women for pregnancy tests in 2012. Of those women, 17 went into the pregnancy considering abortion — after counseling 14 of those women did not terminate their pregnancies. The center saw 89 visits for parenting classes, 17 men for fatherhood classes and 74 salvations last year.

“That means we have 14 babies here in the community because of the ministry,” Dobbs said.

Registration forms can be found at the Sav-A-Life center on 218 Union Street and several churches. The center encourages those participating to get sponsors to help pledge $200 per participant.