March for Babies coming to Wytheville

What: March for Babies Kick Off
When: Saturday, Aug. 16, at 9 a.m.
Where: Marquee Cinema in Wytheville

By WAYNE QUESENBERRY/Staff

The name has changed and so have the colors. The mission is somewhat refocused, too, but saving babies remains the goal.
The March of Dimes has renamed its WalkAmerica fundraiser to March for Babies. Its colors are now purple and the focus is on cancer research for babies.
“The new name makes a clear connection to what the March of Dimes is all about – the health of babies,” stated Nikki Hicks, community director for the Greater Blue Ridge Division of the March of Dimes.
“The name of our event has changed but our mission stays the same – working towards the day when every baby is born healthy,” noted Patty A. Thomas, co-chairman of the Wythe-Bland Walk for Babies. “We hope the new name will bring more people on board to help make that day a reality.”
Co-chairman Nancy Pack emphasized that the mission priority of the March of Dimes is to fight the growing crisis of prematurity.
“Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death and we are committed to reducing its toll. By engaging more people in our mission and educating more pregnant women and moms about healthy babies, we hope to reach that goal much sooner.”
The Wythe-Bland March for Babies will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m. in Withers Park. The kick off will be this Saturday, Aug. 16, at 9 a.m. at the Marquee Cinema in the Wytheville Commons shopping center.
“Our ambassador and honorary chairman will be there along with our team captains,” Hicks stated. “This will be a good opportunity for them to get acquainted with each other and the community.”
Donald Hodock will serve as this year’s honorary chairman. He is superintendent of Bland County Schools.
This year’s ambassador is Hunter Alderman and his mother Mary. Hunter was born six weeks prematurely and experienced numerous health problems.
“We encourage Bland County residents to participate,” Thomas added. “They are part of our chapter and we welcome them to take part.”
Saturday’s kick off will include a free movie and popcorn.
Wayne Quesenberry can be reached at 228-6611 or .