WalkAmerica is the biggest fundraiser for the March of Dimes each year. Began by Pres. Roosevelt in 1938 as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis to fight polio, the organization was renamed the March of Dimes when over 2.6 million dimes were mailed to the White House during its fundraising efforts.
WalkAmerica began in 1970 and has raised over $1.5 billion nationwide. The funds raised by the event are used to support research and programs to help prevent or treat premature birth, birth defects and other threats to babies' health.
The Middlesboro WalkAmerica committee met this week to discuss plans for the event Kick-Off to be held at J. Milton's on Feb. 17 at 12 p.m.
The Kick-Off is for those wishing to lead a team during the walk, those whose lives have been directly touched by the March of Dimes, sponsors, and other interested community members.
A silent auction containing items donated by local companies and individuals will be featured during the luncheon where local deejay and planning committee co-chair Bo Farmer plans to speak. Those attending Kick-Off will receive a free chance for a basketball autographed by Jeff Shepherd to be given away at the walk in April.
"We encourage the entire community to become a part of this," said Farmer, "especially those with healthy babies and those who have had problems in the past. Even those who are survivors of polio, we'd like to invite them and their families to come out and be a part of it."
The theme for this year's WalkAmerica is "Heroes-Fighting to Save Babies."
The committee will be meeting after the Kick-Off to plan more events surrounding the walk. Members hope to have lots of entertainment available for walkers and those there to support them.
"I want to keep this fun," said Michelle Wesley, March of Dimes Community Director for the southeast KY region.
Individuals on a team also receive prize incentives for fundraising at certain levels. Those raising $100 will receive a t-shirt, and those who raise $250 or more will also receive am umbrella. At $500, individuals will receive a t-shirt and a stadium blanket. The $750 level incentive items are a t-shirt and a radio cooler. To receive all items as incentives, individuals must raise $1000 or more.
Some of the corporate sponsors that have already stepped forward this year are Home Federal Bank, First State Financial, Pizza Hut, and Kentucky Utilities. Several other area businesses are either involved on the planning committee or plan on selling promotional items to raise funds, including the Middlesboro Mall Association, Long's Pic-Pac in Pineville, and WFXY-WXJB-WANO.
Corporate sponsors for the walk are still being sought. For more information, contact the March of Dimes Somerset office at 606-679-6850 or 1-877-424-2144.
For more information on forming a team for the walk, come the Kick-Off on Feb. 17, visit the WalkAmerica website at www. walkamerica.org, or contact the Somerset office at the above number.
Post a Comment
