On Saturday, March 2, 2024, Central Florida Laps4Life will be holding our 11^th annual event as we return to the stadium at Bishop Moore High School in Orlando, FL. For those new to our event, this is an outdoor, family-friendly fundraiser for anyone who would like to help support preborn children, their mothers, and their immediate families. It includes running or walking (some in comical attire or even backwards) around the stadium track with activities for children, food, music, vendors and more. The use of strollers or wheelchairs are also permitted. Our participants may sign up as an individual, build a team or join a team and request the support of those in their network of family, friends, co-workers, and colleagues to donate to their efforts on the track.

In 2014, the Knights of Columbus (K of C) councils in central Florida held the inaugural Laps4Life event for several reasons. First, they wanted to help raise awareness about the TRUTH of the life inside each pregnant mother’s womb and the need to support those mothers who are facing challenging situations. Second, to relay the importance of connecting those mothers with their preborn child through ultrasound technology which saves lives. Third, to provide a way to raise funds for this technology for vetted, pro-life supporting crisis pregnancy centers. The Knight of Columbus instituted an Ultrasound Initiative that helps procure these machines for the centers with the support of K of C councils. In Florida, the Knights have placed over 100 ultrasound machines in crisis pregnancy centers. Since our first Central Florida Laps4Life event, we have been responsible for procuring almost 50% of those machines equating to a value of about $4.5 million at replacement costs. The Central Florida Laps4Life has raised more for these machines than any other K of C group world-wide!

While the machines help connect mothers with their pre-born child, many mothers and families experience anxiety over how to care for their child. The centers receiving these machines offer many resources such as education, clothing, diapers, formula, and much more to mothers and families that can provide hope and light which

 cuts through the shadows of despair. The Central Florida Laps4Life is building a “culture of life” in the area and in our world with partners like YOU!

While we are taking small steps at our event in the heart of central Florida, we are taking big steps in our efforts to make a global reach. In 2022, the Central Florida Laps4Life established its own 501(c)(3) to help expand the support your contributions make. With the aid of our e-communications, social media, and supporters like yourself, we have been able to expand our reach to many areas of the world. YOU ARE SAVING LIVES!

This year’s goal for the 2024 Central Florida Laps for Life is to raise $125,000. Our event will go to benefit two different programs which you may choose from:

• K of C Ultrasound Initiative donations:                                 100% match
• Aid and Support After Pregnancy (ASAP) donations:          20% match

The ultrasound initiative is the traditional beneficiary for our event where funds will be used toward procuring, operating and maintaining the ultrasound machines. Alternatively, the Aid and Support After Pregnancy (ASAP) program provides pregnancy centers with funds to educate the new parents, provide formula (if necessary) and clothing (maternity, baby, infant, and toddler), and much more. Each program is eligible for matching funds by the Knights of Columbus as shown above. Whichever program you chose to support will make a long-lasting impact on preborn and born children, mothers, and families. If you are unsure which option is best for you, know that we will use the funds that will make the biggest impact.

So, it is time for YOU to take that step. Whether it is walking or running at our event, building your team, becoming an event sponsor, providing material support, volunteering, or donating from the other side of the globe, you are making an impact. Help us reach our goal and join us for this life-changing event. Join today!

For more information about Central Florida Laps4Life or to get involved, please visit CFLaps4Life.org. May God bless you for your support!