March of Dimes Foundation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Janice Dumsha, (704) 377-2009,
jdumsha@marchofdimes.com
Greater Piedmont Division
7506 E. Independence Blvd.
Suite 114
Charlotte, NC 28227
Telephone (704) 377-2009
Fax (704) 377-0950
marchofdimes.com
marchforbabies.org
MEDIA ALERT: March for Babies
March of Dimes Premier Fundraising Event Benefits All Babies
WHAT:
March for Babies is the March of Dimes premier fundraising event that
benefits all babies. Started in 1970, it’s the original walking event,
raising money to fund important research and programs that help
moms have full-term pregnancies and give hope to the families of
babies born too soon or sick.
WHEN:
Saturday, April 25, 2009
WHERE:
Uptown Charlotte at the Square at Trade and Tryon Streets
WHO:
March for Babies Honorary Chair Judy Verross, teams from 300 local
businesses and organizations including: Piedmont Natural Gas,
Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital, Americredit and Lowe’s Foods.
WHY:
The most urgent infant health problem in the U.S. today is premature
birth. It affects more than half a million babies each year, with the
number growing every day. The March of Dimes issued a Report Card
on Premature Birth, giving the nation a D and North Carolina an F.
Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. The
March of Dimes is committed to reducing this toll by funding research
to find the answers to premature birth and providing comfort and
information to families who are affected. Babies born healthy need
champions, too, to ensure they have access to newborn screening and
preventive health care. The March of Dimes is there for all babies.
HOW:
To join in, visit marchforbabies.org, or (704) 377-2009
to sign up as an individual, to start a corporate, family or friends team,
or donate to help babies be born healthy. Participants can also pick up
sponsor forms at Kmart.
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 by preventing birth defects,
premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit
marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.
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Charlotte 2009 March for Babies Sponsors
JC Verross Financial Services
Americredit
Lowes Foods
Piedmont Natural Gas
Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital
Charlotte 2009 March for Babies Media Sponsors
WSOC –TV
CBS Radio
March of Dimes Foundation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Janice Dumsha, (704) 377-2009,
Greater Piedmont Division
7506 E. Independence Blvd.
Suite 114
Charlotte, NC 28227
Telephone (704) 377-2009
Fax (704) 377-0950
marchofdimes.com
jdumsha@marchofdimes.com
marchforbabies.org
March of Dimes Invests Millions in North Carolina to Fight for
Healthy Babies
Funds Raised During March for Babies are Critical to Continue Support
(CHARLOTTE, NC, APRIL 25, 2009)— The March of Dimes has $4.8 million in active
mission investments in North Carolina in 2009. From searching for interventions for birth
defects such as Fragile X Syndrome, Down Syndrome and abnormal heart development to
improving treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity, scientists are working to improve the
health of babies. Funds raised by the upcoming March for Babies supports research, local
community grants, NICU Family Support, and education projects across the state.
Funds raised through March for Babies are critical to assure the health of our mothers
and babies. On April 25, 2009 in uptown Charlotte at the Square at Trade and Tryon Streets,
residents will join together in support of the Greater Piedmont’s babies by participating in
March for Babies.
“Helping babies be born healthy is vital to the hope and future of Charlotte,” said Judy
Verross, 2009 March for Babies Chair. “One day, all babies will be born healthy, but we’re
going to have to walk to get there.”
The March of Dimes is investing nearly $3.6 million in research in North Carolina in
2009 to support research at Wake Forest University Medical Center, University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University and Carolinas Medical Center.
The March of Dimes NC Chapter awards more than $310,000 each year in community
grants and awards to support projects that work to reduce infant mortality and morbidity
throughout the state. The staff and volunteers conduct Advocacy Day at the NC Legislature
each year to advocate for all women and children to have access to health care and prevention
services.
- more March of Dimes March for Babies/2
Funds raised by March for Babies support a Centering Pregnancy prenatal care program at
the Gaston County Health Department and to provide prenatal education and outreach services
to minority women to help ensure the birth of healthy, full-term babies and to provide.
The March of Dimes and UNC Healthcare have partnered to offer the NICU Family
Support Project, which provides comfort and information to families with babies in the neonatal
intensive care unit at NC Children’s Hospital.
In addition, the March of Dimes NC Chapter is a partner in the NC Folic Acid
Campaign. Fewer NC babies are being born with serious birth defects of the brain and spine due
to folic acid fortification in food and the Campaign’s efforts to increase folic acid consumption
through multivitamins. Between 1994 and 2004, North Carolina’s neural tube defect rate
decreased by 40 percent.
The most urgent infant health problem in the U.S. today is premature birth. It affects more
than half a million babies each year, with the number growing every day. The March of Dimes
issued a Report Card on Premature Birth, giving the nation a D and North Carolina an F.
Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. The March of Dimes is
committed to reducing this toll by funding research to find the answers to premature birth and
providing comfort and information to families who are affected.
Participation in March for Babies will provide a memorable and rewarding day for the
whole family.
“In addition to the fun activities, the walk is an opportunity to teach children the value of
volunteering—how their gifts of time, energy and money, no matter the size, can have a big
impact when they’re part of supporting a worthy cause,” said Verross. “And for families of all
sizes and ages, supporting the cause of healthy babies is a perfect match!”
In 2009 national March for Babies sponsors are Kmart, the March of Dimes number one
corporate supporter, CIGNA, Continental Airlines, Famous Footwear, Farmers Insurance
Group of Companies, FedEx, First Response, Liberty Tax Services, Mead Johnson Nutrition
and Ther-Rx.
- more -
March of Dimes March for Babies/3
In Charlotte, March for Babies is sponsored by JC Verross Financial Services, Piedmont
Natural Gas, Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital, Americredit and Lowe’s Foods.
To join in, visit marchforbabies.org, or call toll-free (800) 525-9255 to sign up as an
individual, to start a corporate, family or friends team, or donate to help babies be born healthy.
Participants can also pick up sponsor forms at Kmart.
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 by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant
mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.
- 30 -
March for Babies 2009 Quick Facts
What is March for Babies?
March for Babies is the March of Dimes biggest fundraiser and America’s favorite
walking event. Money raised in March for Babies supports the March of Dimes
mission to give every baby a healthy start. It is used to fund important research and
community programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin
healthy lives. We’ve been walking since 1970 and have raised an incredible $1.8
billion to benefit all babies.
What happened to WalkAmerica?
In 2008, we officially changed the name of our event from WalkAmerica to March for
Babies. The new name makes it very clear why we’re walking: to give every baby a
healthy start. Our mission hasn’t changed. The March of Dimes continues to protect
the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant
mortality.
Where is March for Babies held?
March for Babies takes place in more than 900 communities across the United
States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. To find a walk site near you, visit
marchforbabies.org or look up your local March of Dimes chapter on
marchofdimes.com.
When do we walk?
In most communities, March for Babies is held at the end of April. Visit
marchforbabies.org to find out exactly when your walk takes place. You can also
contact your local March of Dimes chapter.
How long is the March for Babies route?
Routes have no standard length, but most are 6 miles or under. If you can complete
the route, great! If not, you can walk any distance that works for you. There are
many snack and rest stops along the way.
How big is March for Babies?
Every year, more than 7 million people get involved in March for Babies as sponsors,
volunteers or participants.
How do I get involved?
You can raise money and walk as an individual, with a Family Team or with your
company or organization. Can’t do the walk, but still want to get involved? Why not
volunteer to register walkers, staff checkpoints or offer refreshments? Or you can
sponsor friends, family members and co-workers with a gift to their walk.
Why should my company join March for Babies?
Thousands of companies, schools and organizations get involved in March for Babies
in their communities and show they care about moms and babies. And rallying
behind a common cause is a great team-building experience. Company teams are an
important part of the success of our event. In 2008, the top 25 company teams
together raised an amazing $32 million.
Which companies sponsor March for Babies?
Our national sponsors are Kmart, CIGNA, Farmers Insurance Group, FedEx, Famous
Footwear, Liberty Tax Service and Continental Airlines. Some of our largest company
teams are Kmart, CIGNA, Farmers Insurance Group, FedEx, Famous Footwear, Bank
of America, CITI, Publix Super Markets, Knowledge Learning Corporation and
Wachovia.
What makes Family Teams so special?
Family Teams are made up of families and friends participating in March for Babies to
celebrate or honor a baby in their lives. And many walk in memory of a baby who
didn’t survive. These special teams remind everyone of the importance of the March
of Dimes mission to help all babies be born healthy.
How is the money we raise used by March of Dimes?
The March of Dimes spends 77% of the money raised in March for Babies on
research and programs that promote the health of babies. By walking and raising
money, you help us:

support all-important research offering preventions and solutions for babies
born too soon or with birth defects

educate women on things they can do to increase their chances of having a
healthy baby

provide comfort and information to families with a newborn in intensive care

push for newborn screening and health insurance for all pregnant women and
children.
How do we sign up for March for Babies?
Register online today. Visit marchforbabies.org and sign up as an individual walker or
team member. Our Web site gives you all the tools to kick start your campaign. You
can also register by phone at 1-800-525-9255. Or you look up your local chapter on
marchofdimes.com.
Why raise money online?
It’s fun and easy — you can start raising money with OFT as soon as you’re
registered. Just e-mail everyone in your address book and ask them to make a
secure donation with their credit card or PayPalTM. Our system automatically tracks
your progress and sends a thank-you message and receipt to your donors. People
who use the Online Fundraising Tool (OFT) raise up to three times the amount of
people who don’t go online.
What is the March of Dimes?
The March of Dimes is one of the best-known charities in the country. We help moms
have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies. And if something goes wrong, we
offer comfort and information to families. We research the problems that threaten
our babies and work on preventing them.
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