May 8^th yielded a beautiful day for the Bella Mother’s Day Walk for Life. We had a sunny, albeit chilly, morning to walk the 2 miles along Spearfish Creek. It was encouraging to have so many familiar faces among us – the faithful who have walked for several years – as well as first-time walkers who are proof that people are sharing the Bella vision with others.

As always, our goal for the Walk was to exceed previous years in both walker number and pledges. Unfortunately, our walker turnout in 2010 was about half of what we saw in 2009, as was the pledging.

Roxanne Johnson, Executive Director at Bella had this to say: “Even though our bottom line was a lot less than last year, the level of commitment and enthusiasm of our walkers was amazing!  Just forty-three teams managed to raise over $15,000!  Can you imagine what we could have done if we had 100 people participating?  We are so grateful for each and every participant and for each and every person who donated!  Bella is a vital ministry in the Northern Hills community and we are continually blessed by those who recognize this!”

We are honored by the support and generosity of our community that ensures the continued flow of resources to women and families in crisis. Thank you again to all of our fantastic walkers, volunteers, and staff who made the Bella Walk a success!

Special thanks to Romas, Applebees, Shoot the Bull, Cedar House, Bay Leaf, Perkins, & Mish Mash for donating prizes for top walkers, and to Safeway for donating Walk Day cookies!

And, finally, a HUGE THANKS to our Top Walkers:

Mary Ann Hackert - $1,914.00

The Holder Family - $1,600.00

Pete Bonnichsen – $1,563.00

It’s not too late to donate! Contributions can be sent to Bella at PO Box 755 Spearfish, SD 57783. Please indicate Walk for Life in the memo line.