April march a chance to raise money for babies
Chelsea Zaft
Helping to save lives of Arizona babies may only require having fun with friends, a minimum of a ten-dollar donation, and a leisurely four-mile walk on a Saturday afternoon. Does it sound to good to be true?
Not with the March of Dimes and its annual fundraiser the March for Babies, formally known as Walk America.
The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality through research, education, community services and advocacy.
Barb Maack, Director of Communications for the Arizona chapter of March of Dimes stresses the importance of student participation.
Sign up can be done as an individual or family and friend teams can be created.
This year, March for Babies will be held at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix on April 19. Registration and breakfast starts at 7 a.m. with the official start at 8 a.m.
Registration forms are easily accessible online at marchforbabies.com or the Arizona chapter office at (602) 266-9933 can provide any needed information.
Individual forms can even be filled out on the day of the walk at the registration area for those who decide to go last minute.
“Signing up with a group gives a great opportunity to do team building either with classmates or co-workers,” said Maack. “They get to know each other better and have a lot of fun.”
March for Babies has many corporate sponsors with tents and booths set up along the walk to make sure all walkers have a fun time and get a few goodies.
Incentives are offered by March of Dimes to walkers who raise large amounts of money such as t-shirts and sweatshirts. This year, walkers who raise $1,000 or more can be entered into a drawing for two round-trip tickets anywhere Continental Airlines flies, excluding Hawaii.
According to Maack, there is more to the fundraiser than having a good time and exercising.
“It is a tremendously rewarding experience that helps people get to know how wonderful really they are.”
Maack also explained that Arizona students are among the most supportive March of Dimes walkers in the nation.
“They’re incredibly generous and have a reputation for being wonderful volunteers.
