Contact: Jody Token, American Heritage Girls, 513-771-2025, news@ahgonline.org

CINCINNATI, Jan. 20, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- American Heritage Girls (AHG) will assist the Diocese of Arlington as the largest sponsor for its national prayer gathering and rally in Washington, D.C., prior to the Jan. 22 March for Life.

For the second year in a row, AHG, an international faith-based character development program for girls age five through 18, will provide financial support and water bottles for more than 15,000 youth at the "Life is Very Good Evening of Prayer and Morning Rally" organized by the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. After the prayer meetings, youth will participate in the March for Life.

"One of the things that attract girls to AHG is our strong affirmation of a Biblical worldview, which includes respecting all life from conception to natural death," says Patti Garibay, AHG executive director and founder.

The Catholic denomination is AHG's fastest growing demographic, according to the AHG National Catholic Committee. AHG is supported by 83 Catholic Dioceses nationwide. Nearly 60 dioceses started an AHG troop in the last five years.

The Archdiocese of St. Louis, Diocese of Rockford, Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, and Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama publically endorsed AHG and encourage its members to start AHG troops in the local church.

Last year, AHG created a Respect Life Patch to reinforce the organization's commitment to honoring life from conception to natural death. The patch is worn on a girl's uniform. The patch has sold quicker than any other badge or patch in AHG's nearly 20-year history.

"The sales tell the story: AHG supports life and so does its members," says Garibay.

AHG troops earn the Respect Life Patch by participating in an event that brings attention to respecting life or by providing service to an organization whose mission demonstrates a desire to respect life, such as pregnancy centers, pro-life groups and hospices.

Founded in 1995 in Cincinnati, Ohio, AHG has nearly 40,000 members across the globe. AHG's mission is to build women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country. Girls participate in badge programs, service projects, leadership opportunities and outdoor experiences. In the past four years, AHG has experienced 40 percent membership growth annually.

To schedule an interview with AHG Executive Director Patti Garibay, contact news@ahgonline.org.