Features Editor

Sept. 23, 2000 11 PM

Throughout Pike County, people were decked out in blue ­ jeans, that is ­ on Friday.

More than 750 people at businesses, schools and organizations wore their favorite pair of jeans for "Blue Jeans for Babies Day" in an effort to raise money for the March of Dimes.

Dianne Smith, chairman of the March of Dimes Community Council, said over $7,000 was raised during the one-day event.

"That was a 25 percent increase over what we did, last year," Smith said.

"It’s been a great ‘Blue Jeans for Babies.’"

She said it was "neat" to stop in businesses all over Pike County and see the support for the March of Dimes.

Lockheed Martin employees purchased 162 t-shirts for the event. But, when all was said and done, 170 of the facilities 185 employees participated.

The Pike County Courthouse boasted the second largest number of participants and Troy Bank and Trust came in third.

Teachers at Pike County Elementary School proudly donned the denim. PCES had 100 percent participation by the teachers, who were joined by support personnel, as well.

Wenona Riley, chairwoman of "Blue Jeans for Babies" and a Lockheed Martin employee was pleased with everyone’s support of the special day.

"I’m very pleased with the turnout," Riley said of those who gave from their pockets to help those who are born too small or sick to help themselves.

She was especially glad to see several new businesses get involved this year.

Those businesses and organizations who participated included: Troy Nissan, Center for Business and Economic Services at Troy State University, Alfa, Regions Bank, The Messenger, Wiregrass Hospice of Troy, Wayne Farms, Peacock Timber Transport, Pike County Elementary School, Colonial Bank, Charles Henderson Child Health Care Center, The Pinkard Agency, Southern States, J.F. Walters, Boutwell Floor Covering, Pike County Department of Human Resources, The Hudson Companies Inc., Pike Manor Health Care Center, SouthTrust Bank, Ansell, East Central Mental Health, TSU Student Government Association, Elaine McCloud, Airtek, Sikorsky Support Services Inc., The Cabbage Patch Daycare, Dr. Peter Dichiara, Pro-Marketing Beeline, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Sisters, A.G. Edwards and Sons and Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority at TSU.