kicks off 2001 campaign

From Staff Reports

Jan. 22, 2001 10 PM

The Pike County March of Dimes and area residents will take the first step toward saving babies in 2001 during a team captain kickoff on Wednesday.

From 11:30 until 1 p.m., team captains of the March of Dimes WalkAmerica teams will meet at the Troy State University Arboretum.

The team kickoff is the first of many community activities leading to WalkAmerica, which will be on March 31.

Led by honorary chairman Brian Meadows, community leaders are excited about volunteering for WalkAmerica.

"I like knowing that what I do makes a difference," said Pat Quattlebaum of Charles Henderson Child Health Center, who has been a walker and volunteer for 10 years.

"When I participate in WalkAmerica, I feel good because I’m helping to save babies right here in Pike County. Coming to the kickoff gets me started and in the spirit."

Dianne Smith, walk chairwoman, is encouraging people in the community to get involved with WalkAmerica 2001 and is challenging them to each raise $200 or more to save the lives of babies.

"I’m proud of our national sponsor partner roster this year," Smith said.

March of Dimes WalkAmerica national sponsor partners are Canon, CIGNA Healthcare, Florida Department of Citrus, Kmart and the National Peanut Board.

Local sponsors for the event, so far, include: Charles Henderson Child Health Center, Troy Bank & Trust, Regions Bank, Pike Manor Health Care Center, Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky Support Services and Edge Regional Medical Center.

Sponsor opportunities are still available for the 2001 walk.

For more information about WalkAmerica ­ the walk that has been saving babies for more than 30 years ­ contact Smith at 566-9575.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency with the mission of improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality.

Founded by 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies.

More information about the March of Dimes is available at www.modimes.org.