The focus this year is on premature babies and the challenges they face. The theme is heroes.
"A hero is defined as an individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty, even when it isn't necessary," said local chairman Bo Farmer. "You can be a hero with March of Dimes...This is a way that we can touch people's lives."
Members of the committee spoke to those present at the event about the purpose served by the March of Dimes and its goals.
Dr. John Williamson, an obstetrician in Middlesboro, discussed the emphasis on the research conducted by the March of Dimes for prevention and prenatal care.
"My goal is the same as that of March of Dimes-healthy children," Dr. Williamson said of why he was involved with the organization.
Grayson Hurd, a 6-month-old from Middlesboro who was born prematurely, is this year's March of Dimes ambassador for Bell County. His mother, Melody Amburgey, became emotional as she related the story of Grayson's birth and subsequent hospitalizations. Amburgey emphasized the importance of good prenatal care. Doctors were able to better plan for the possibility that Grayson could be born prematurely due to prenatal testing.
"We're proud to be the ambassador family," Amburgey said. "Through experience, we've learned the importance of prenatal care."
Over $300 was raised during the silent auction to kick off the fundraising for this year's event.
Local teams and individuals will be seeking donations and selling promotional items until the event in April.
A new item, a UK basketball bear beanie, is expected to go quickly. The beanie retails for about $10 and is a blue UK basketball that folds out to reveal a teddy bear dressed as a UK player. Several local businesses will be carrying the bear, as well as other beanies, to raise money for their teams.
For more information on starting a team, contact Michelle Wesley at 1-877-424-2144 or visit www.walkamerica.org. There is no minimum number of people on a team, and you do not have to be a business in order to form a team.
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