More than 1,200 people are expected at March for Babies in Southern Maryland. The March of Dimes fundraiser will unite families and businesses who support the nonprofit’s mission to prevent premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. Held rain or shine, March for Babies will provide a memorable and rewarding day for the whole family. Participants will enjoy a stroller-friendly walk, lunch, music and children’s activities including face painting, games and a fun bus.
The Zeolla family, whose twin sons were born six weeks premature, will serve as the 2014 March for Babies – Southern Maryland Ambassador Family. They will speak at the opening ceremonies along with 2014 March for Babies Chair Tom Dennison, of Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. Dennison understands firsthand the importance of the March of Dimes mission and is dedicated to raising awareness and the important funding to help women have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.
March for Babies – Southern Maryland will be held Sunday, May 4 at 9 a.m. at Regency Furniture Stadium, 11765 St. Linus Drive, Waldorf.
Funds raised will support lifesaving research, education and advocacy for stronger, healthier babies. Donations will also fund local programs such as the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) family support program. In 2013, the March for Babies in Southern Maryland raised over $212,000 and had 1,200 walkers.
“We are encouraged to see so many people walking to help babies,” said Jennifer Abell, the March of Dimes Suburban Maryland Division Director. “Each is committed to giving hope to the more than 8,900 babies in Maryland that will be born premature this year.”
Established in 1970, the event has raised more than $2 billion nationwide to benefit all babies. This year, March for Babies events will be held in nearly 700 locations nationwide and involves more than 20,000 companies and 3 million people, including celebrities, sports stars, community leaders and families of babies born prematurely who are involved as volunteers, sponsors and participants. For more information about March for Babies and to register and donate, visit marchforbabies.org or call 1-800-525-9255.
Local March for Babies sponsors include: MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, SMECO, Outdoor Creations Landscaping In., The St. Charles Companies, Proctor Landscaping and Masonry, LLC, The St. Charles Apartments, Dominion Cove Point, Calvert Memorial Hospital, Safeway, Subway and WTOP.
