March of Dimes: Premier fundraising event benefits all babies

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Stelse Office: 608.243.7764 Cell: 608.235.3036

WHAT: March for Babies is the March of Dimes premier fundraising event that benefits all babies—those born healthy as well as those who need help to survive and thrive. Started in 1970, it’s the original walk fundraiser. In 2009, Madison’s March for Babies raised $230,000 for lifesaving research, community services, education and advocacy to help give every baby in our community a healthy start.

WHEN: Saturday, May 1, 2010

Walk begins at 9:30 a.m., registration opens at 8:30 a.m.

WHERE: 200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., between the City County Building Municipal Building on W. Doty Street

WHO: Teams from local businesses and organizations including: St. Mary’s Hospital, Dean Clinics, Meriter Hospital, M&I Bank, CUNA Mutual Group, Great Lakes Higher Education, Group Health Cooperative, Mothers of Multiples and many, many family teams. We expect more than 1,000 of Madison residents to join us at March for Babies! Walkers can choose from a two or four mile route. Hundreds of babies, strollers and “Mission Families” with a personal connection to March of Dimes mission will be walking as visual reminders of why it’s critical to support the Foundation. There will be festivities following the walk including music by the UW Band and Juke Box Bandstand, a demonstration by Cheer Wisconsin, face painting, clowns, pizza, ice cream and many of our local mascots to cheer everyone on from the finish line!

WHY: Premature birth touches half a million babies and their families every year 7,847 babies were born premature in Wisconsin, representing 11.2% of live births. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. More than 120,000 babies are born with serious birth defects that can mean a lifetime of disability. Babies born healthy need champions, too, to be sure they have access to newborn screening and preventive health care. The March of Dimes is there for all babies.

HOW: Register by visiting marchforbabies.org .

About March of Dimes

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org .