What is the Hike for Life?

The Hike for Life is an annual event sponsored by the Knights of Columbus that raises funds for crisis pregnancy centers in the Dallas area.

What is a crisis pregnancy center?

A crisis pregnancy center is a place a woman, who suspects that she is pregnant, can go to receive counseling, pre and post natal care, monetary assistance if needed, and, if she chooses, adoption services for her baby in the event she is unable to care for the child.

Are abortions also made available to her?

No… not at any center that is supported by the Hike. As Christians we do not believe that abortion solves any problem… it only creates numerous problems in the life of the mom, dad, families, and of course the baby who will never know the joys of life.

This is sponsored by the Knights… do I have to be a Knight to participate?

No… although we urge all Knights to attend we depend on people like you to make the Hike a success. In fact most people who attend the Hike are not Knights or related to the Knights at all… they simply are Christians who care about life.

Where is the Hike held?

There are several sites to choose from, Garland, Waxahachie, Irving, Dallas, Rowlett, McKinney, or if you wish a personal Hike at a location of your own choosing. Please see the General info on the main page of this website for directions on getting to the different Hikes.

Is it fun?

The Hike is great fun… especially with a group. Get your friends together and do the Hike together… talk, sing songs, pray… it’s up to you. Some people love the Hike because it is the one time during the year that they talk to God all by themselves for hours… for others it is the only time during the year that they get any exercise.

How long of a distance is the Hike?

The distance is 10K.

10K is a long distance… why so long?

Actually the Hike use to be longer… 10K is a long distance, but we believe that every step is a prayer, and with that in mind it isn’t all that long after all.

What if I want to participate in the Hike, but cannot walk 10K?

You have a couple of options… you can sponsor a Hiker who can go the distance, or just come out to the Hike, bring a seat and enjoy the atmosphere and say a few prayers after the Hikers depart. If you are unable to come out to the Hike itself you can pray at home for the success of the Hike and its mission.

Why should I come to the Hike… can’t I just donate some money?

Donations are always welcome, but there are lots of reasons to come to the Hike. When we come together as a Christian family we are making a statement to God and each other. We are stating that life is a gift from God and something that we need to protect. While we don’t openly protest, our presence together sends out a message that we, as a country, made a mistake in making abortion legal. We also make a statement to those women that are pregnant that we will help them all we can… to make the right decision and bring your little one into this world, and we will stand with them with money, prayers, and support.

I’ve got a conflict and cannot make the Hike… what can I do?

A personal Hike is available… simply get some sponsors and walk 10K, or whatever you are able, at a track, the Mall, or around your neighborhood. After you do your Hike send us your sponsor sheet and the money you collected (please do not send in cash). In return we’ll send you a T-shirt as a thank you.

Do I have to do a personal Hike by a certain time?

We would ask that you do your Hike during the month of October since October is traditionally Respect Life Month.

How long has the Hike been going on?

The Hike has been going on ever since abortion has been legalized, so that means that the 2005 Hike will be #32.

What is the big deal with these shirts?

The shirts are designed to show that babies are great… that they are a gift from God Himself. We hope that you wear you Hike shirt often… you never know… the person behind you in the checkout line of a store, or the desk behind you in school might be thinking about destroying the life inside of them, or knows someone who is thinking about it. The images are beautiful and show the beauty that life offers if given a chance.

What about bad weather… will you cancel the Hike, or reschedule?

The Hike goes on regardless of the weather. Bring an umbrella if it is raining, or a heavy coat if it is cold… the Hike will be great fun regardless of the weather. Don’t forget sun screen if it’s hot… it is after all… Texas!

Are there any prizes for the top fund raiser?

Yes, the top ten fund raisers will be awarded a framed print signed by the artist of the image found on the back of the Hike shirt for that year. Please be sure to include all of your information on your Hike sponsor sheet because we always seem to have difficulty locating some of the award winners.

Can Youth Groups come together to the Hike?

Yes… Youth Ministers are encouraged to bring a group from their Ministry to the Hike. By coming to the Hike as a group the kids will learn more about the Pro-Life movement and have a fun time doing it. After the Hike they can, with the permission of their Pastor, stand in the back of their Church and collect funds for the Hike using baskets. Each child is asked to have a sponsor sheet made out prior to coming to the Hike and, if possible, a donation to help cover the cost of the t-shirt… minimum suggested donation is $10.

What if you run out of t-shirts?

As far as I’m concerned that would be a great thing because that means we have more Hikers than the year before. If we run out of t-shirts we will collect names, addresses, and sizes and t-shirts will be sent out to the Hikers once more are made. In the event this occurs please allow 6 weeks for delivery.

Are the Donations tax deductible?

Yes. The Hike is a Non Profit organization and donations to the Hike are tax deductible. Please make a copy of your pledge sheet as proof of a receipt.