March of Dimes Leads Efforts to Improve Health of Babies in West Metro

ATLANTA, GA -- More than 17,000 of Georgia’s babies will be born prematurely this year and 1,000 of them will not make it to their first birthday.

March for Babies, the March of Dimes largest fundraiser, helps fund lifesaving research and educational programs aimed at helping moms have healthy babies. Last year in West Metro, more than $400,000 was raised. This year, the West Metro March for Babies event will focus on recruiting new companies to participate and lead the community in making a difference for the health of moms and babies.

Residents in West Metro can sign up today at http://bit.ly/WMetroMFB2016 and start a team with co-workers, family or friends. The event expects more than 1,000 people in attendance, which will be held this year on Saturday, April 30, 2016, at the Marietta Square.

This year’s event will include the following:

• Main stage for various entertainment and speakers before and after the walk,

• March of Dimes Mission Tent,

• Sponsors and the top fundraising teams, and family teams from 2015 have tents and give away company promotional items,

• Kids Zone play area with bounce houses, basketball goal, and a variety of inflatables, face painting, balloon animals/shapes, etc.,

• Publix’s Family Picnic: After the walk, with a hotdogs, beverages, and other snacks, and

“We’re so excited to have the generous support from the local community as we gather to celebrate our incredible mission,” said Rebecca Mayo, West Metro Development Director. “This community’s passion for the cause and commitment to helping our babies will be a huge driving factor in the success of our event. We are grateful for the community’s dedication to such an important cause, as well as our teams and sponsors who make it all possible.”

Sponsors for this year’s West Metro MFB Walk, include: Wellstar Health Systems, Publix and Lockheed Martin.

Image: March of Dimes. Addilyn and Amelia Reynolds, West Metro 2016 March for Babies Ambassador Family twins, were born at WellStar Cobb Hospital.