A major pro-life event aimed at youth is taking shape that its organizers hope will help turn “the most burning moral issue of our time” into a catalyst for unity and transformation. LIFEsocal, a charitable organization founded by Los Angeles-area students and families, is hosting “go2bat4LIFE,” a high-powered entertainment event Nov. 18 at Dodger Stadium. Designed for young people of all faith and ethnic backgrounds, this celebration combines music and inspirational themes aimed at strengthening young people in their pro-life convictions. Students and administrators from schools and churches around Southern California are “getting on board” with the event, said Carol Golbranson, co-founder of LIFEsocal. Among the participants: North Coast Calvary in Carlsbad; JSerra High School in San Juan Capistrano; St. Matthias High School, Downey; Country Church in Chula Vista; and Brookins Community A.M.E. and Centro Sagrada Familia Churches in Los Angeles.“It’s our young people who are going to make a difference and change the culture,” explained Golbranson. “Our teenagers know that life is beautiful, and they want to celebrate it. We’ve been inspired by the good work of many pro-life groups, and our hope is to motivate young people to become involved in pro-life ministries of their choice.” “How can we not want to stand up and defend helpless babies?” asked Serena Lessard, a junior at St. Monica Academy in Pasadena. “Teens have so much energy, and I’m excited to see kids from all over the city come together and channel that energy into this great cause.”Among the church and community leaders and celebrities scheduled to appear at the event are Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles; Baptist Pastor Walter Hoye II, who will emcee the event; “For Greater Glory” actors Mauricio Kuri and Eduardo Verastegui; Christian musical star Lincoln Brewster; Christian reggae band Christafari; and evangelist Justin Fatica, who will speak to youth about abortion and healing. Professional athletes and other “surprise guests” will make appearances, said Golbranson, hoping to further inspire a crowd already enlivened by baseball-themed games, zipline, obstacle courses, carnival rides and food. Teenagers will share stories about their unplanned pregnancies, the choices they made, and how their lives were impacted. “We've been having so much fun at the events our group has already sponsored,” remarked Will Boles, a freshman at UCLA and founding member of LIFEsocal. “We want to continue that energy and continue spreading the word to people — especially young people, like me — that being pro-life is not only fun but normal!”Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m.; the event will take place 1-4:30 p.m., beginning with a one-mile walk around the perimeter of Dodger Stadium. The cost to attend the event is $10 per person (ages 10 and under are free). The carnival rides and baseball-themed games will be offered in exchange for game tickets ($1 each, or 30 tickets for $20). Proceeds from the game ticket sales will benefit local pregnancy help centers and other pro-life ministries.For more information visit www.go2bat4life.com; view Facebook at www.facebook.com/LIFEsocal; or call LIFEsocal, (626) 755-7323.
