Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Celebrates March of Dimes 80th Anniversary and 45-Year Partnership

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Jan 04, 2018, 06:00 ET

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Each year in the United States, more than 380,000 babies are born preterm—that's one baby every two seconds. Some are so small they could fit in the palm of your hand. Mothers of color are 20% more likely to give birth prematurely and their children are facing a 40% higher infant mortality rate.

Elaine Whitelaw, longstanding chief fundraiser for March of Dimes, left, and Dr. Janice Kissner, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated 17th international president and March of Dimes community affairs director, right, showcase the newly formed partnership in the early 1970s.

Dr. Mary Breaux Wright, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated international president, left, accepts a 45th Anniversary Stork’s Nest Award from Stacey D. Stewart, March of Dimes president, right, during the 2017 March of Dimes National Service Partner Summit.

To help combat this serious health crisis in communities across the United States, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is continuing its 45-year history of working directly with March of Dimes. In 2017, to celebrate the successful 45-year track record, Zeta members formed over 400 teams across America and raised $569, 409 in their local March for Babies walks, earning the Top Fundraising National Service Partner award. Over the past five years, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has raised over $2 million dollars for March of Dimes.

"Since 1972, we have placed great value on our partnership with March of Dimes beginning with their support of our Stork's Nest incentive-based program that offers prenatal health education to low-income pregnant women. Through our local nests, our members distribute more than 250,000 baby-related items annually," said Dr. Mary Breaux Wright, International President for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. "Our members are honored to have partnered with March of Dimes for 45 of its 80 years, and are ready to continue our successful legacy of raising funds for March of Dimes and advocating for the women and children in our communities."

Last year also marked 15 years of the Zeta Prematurity Awareness Program (ZPAP) held during Prematurity Awareness Month in November. By joining forces to conduct prematurity awareness activities in houses of worship and congregations, worshipers learn more about this health crisis. Annually, ZPAP reaches more than 65,000 worshippers nationwide.

About Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded in 1920 on the belief that the social nature of sorority life should not overshadow the real mission for progressive organizations to address societal mores, ills, prejudices, poverty, and health concerns of the day. The international organization's 125,000+ initiated members, operating in more than 850 chapters, have given millions of voluntary hours to educate the public, provide scholarships, support organized charities, and promote legislation for social and civic change. For more information on Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., please visit www.zphib1920.org.

About March of Dimes
March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For nearly 80 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs. For the latest resources and health information, visit marchofdimes.org and nacersano.org. If you have been affected by prematurity or birth defects, visit our shareyourstory.org community to find comfort and support. For detailed national, state and local perinatal statistics, visit peristats.org. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter @marchofdimes.

SOURCE Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.