Communities Nationwide Gear Up For Annual March For Babies®

USA - English

• Latin America - español

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., April 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrities from music, film, television, and sports are lending their star power to bring attention to this year's March for Babies, the March of Dimes premier fundraising event that will take place in 750 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in most communities at the end of April. (To view the multimedia news release that includes photos and videos of our history and volunteer celebrities, click: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/59684-march-of-dimes-75th-anniversary/)

This is a special year because the March of Dimes is celebrating its 75^th anniversary. From Frank Sinatra to Kelly Clarkson, major stars have always supported the Foundation's work for stronger, healthier babies. Nearly 4 million babies are born each year in the United States and the March of Dimes has helped each and every one through cutting-edge research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs.

March for Babies has been held annually since 1970 and has raised a combined total of more than $2 billion to help all babies get a healthy start in life. The goal for this year's event is to raise more than $109 million.

"The support the March of Dimes receives from every volunteer is invaluable, and celebrity support always has been a hallmark of our history," says Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes.  "Today, millions of people, including celebrities, sports stars, community leaders and families of babies born prematurely help support the March of Dimes work for stronger, healthier babies. We hope everyone will participate in our signature fundraiser, March for Babies by visiting marchforbabies.org."

Among those taking part in 2013 March for Babies:

In New York City, two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning of the New York Giants is  serving as March for Babies Celebrity Chair for the Manhattan March for Babies taking place on Sunday, April 28 near Lincoln Center.  March for Babies National Chair Bill Fitzgerald, Vice President and General Manager of Commercial Engines at GE Aviation, and Dr. Howse will join Manning to help kick off the walk's opening ceremonies.   

Internationally famed model Niki Taylor will help kick off March for Babies at Miami's Tropical Park the morning of Saturday, April 27^th.  This is the second year Niki will return to her hometown community to volunteer and lend her voice in support of the walk for healthier babies.   As a Mom of four, Niki is proud to bring her own family out to encourage fellow moms and supporters to join her and do all they can for stronger, healthier babies. 

The Los Angeles March for Babies will take place on April 27th in Exposition Park and will be hosted by television personality Samantha Harris.  She shares her inspiration and commitment to March of Dimes mission in this video. International superstar Dayanara Torres will help welcome walkers at the event.  She will be joined by friends and family who have formed a walk team in support of a premature baby in their lives.  Fellow celebrity mom Linda Cardellini will join in this year's Los Angeles March for Babies.  

To encourage everyone to sign up for March for Babies, racing driver Brian Vickers drove the FedEx  #11 March of Dimes car on April 13 at the Texas Motor Speedway.  Eight year-old 2013 March of Dimes National Ambassador Nina Centofanti, born nine weeks premature, got a special treat when she met the most successful woman in racing history, Danica Patrick.  FedEx racing outfitted Nina with an official fire suit for pre-race activities to help promote March of Dimes 75^th Anniversary and March for Babies.  See more about the race on the March for Babies blog.

Nina and her family will help lead at two March for Babies events.  The first will be with the GE Healthcare national team at the Milwaukee March for Babies on April 27^th.  The Centofanti family also will join United Airlines at the Chicago Lakefront Walk in Grant Park on April 28^th.  Learn more about our 2013 National Ambassador by watching Nina's Story.

United Airlines is the Official Airline Sponsor of the March of Dimes National Ambassador Program.  The 2013 March for Babies is sponsored nationally by the March of Dimes number one corporate supporter Kmart, Farmers Insurance Group, Macy's, Cigna, Sanofi Pasteur, Famous Footwear, Actavis, Mission Pharmacal, and United Airlines.

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. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

SOURCE March of Dimes