Kmart kicks off 2017 March of Dimes fundraising campaign

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Longest-standing corporate partner remains committed to mission

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Mar 21, 2017, 00:01 ET

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --The March of Dimes longest-standing and top overall corporate partner, Kmart, celebrates its 34^th year of commitment to healthy babies by launching its in-store fundraising campaign, slated for March 19 – June 17. The campaign coincides with the March of Dimes signature fundraiser, March for Babies, which takes place in nearly 500 communities nationwide this spring.

This year's fundraising efforts are being led by Kelly Cook, chief marketing officer for Kmart and mother of triplets born five weeks premature. "As the mother of children who were born too soon and needed help, I'm grateful for the work of the March of Dimes," said Ms. Cook. "But Kmart's Shop Your Way members, customers and associates are the real heroes for babies. Each year they remain dedicated to our fundraising efforts by supporting the March of Dimes coast-to-coast."

Kmart's annual fundraising campaigns have raised more than $140 million in support of the March of Dimes work over the past 33 years - more than any other corporation in the foundation's history. In addition to raising funds in store and online, Kmart also sells a collectible puppy figurine, of which a portion of those sold is donated back to the March of Dimes.

"Kmart's efforts and unwavering commitment have helped to advance the critical work being done by the March of Dimes to improve the health of all babies," says Stacey D. Stewart, president of the March of Dimes. "Their efforts have played a major role in the discovery of breakthroughs, like surfactant therapy for preemies that have saved the lives of countless children."

The funds raised by Kmart have benefited the March of Dimes by helping the organization:

Provide reliable and up-to-date information on healthy pregnancy and newborn care;
Advocate for better healthcare coverage for pregnant women and babies;
Fight for better newborn screening requirements in every state;
Further prevention efforts to support education and awareness about Zika virus;
Help more moms get access to prenatal care.

About Kmart
Kmart is making shopping fun again. The retailer, a subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is bringing back the iconic Bluelight Specials, hosting Freebie Saturdays and in-store family events for its Shop Your Way members and customers. Kmart offers customers thrilling deals and amazing finds on quality products and exclusive brands including Jaclyn Smith, Joe Boxer, Route 66 and Smart Sense. Kmart's V.E.R.V. coast-to-coast mobile tour, will travel nationwide.

About March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. For the latest resources and health information, visit our websites marchofdimes.org and nacersano.org. To participate in our annual signature fundraising event, visit marchforbabies.org. If you have been affected by prematurity or birth defects, visit our shareyourstory.org community to find comfort and support. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

SOURCE March of Dimes