The March of Dimes’ 2013 March for Babies was held May 4 inside of Hollis Hand Elementary School. In spite of the bad weather, walkers turned out to support this yearly event.
In the Hollis Hand auditorium, March of Dimes Senior Community Director Carla Starling started the event off by welcoming everyone, Libby Griswell sang the National Anthem and then the March for Babies Chairman Patrick Crews was asked to speak to the walkers.
“In 1938, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt asked every American to give a dime to help fight polio. That set off an incredible chain reaction. It led to Dr. Jonas Salk developing the first polio vaccine,” Crews said. “A new type of volunteerism also was born. Now all Americans could offer their time or spare a little bit of money for a shared cause. That spirit lives on today, in you.”
Brandy Recny, the mother of 2013 March for Babies Ambassador 2-year-old Mark Issac Recny, spoke on behalf of the family. Mark Issac was born prematurely with a level-four brain bleed.
“Our family is only too happy to be here to welcome everyone to March for Babies, because without their support and years of research Mark Issac may not be here today,” Recny said. “Thanks for coming out and supporting March for Babies.”
Before the walkers were released to walk their laps around the Hollis Hand hallways, Kelly Kemp was called to the stage to get everyone to stretch and warm-up. The walkers were then invited to start their walk. Refreshments were served after the participants finished their walk.
Starling commented on the day.
“In spite of the weather we have a great turnout. We are thankful for the dedicated support of all who are here, from infants to grandparents, everyone pulling together to give all our babies a healthy start,” Starling said.
All of the walkers who raised $200, or more, received a March for Babies T-shirt. The following is a list of the winning teams for this year’s event. The list is according to the size of the organization, with Division A being the largest.
Most Money Raised by Organizations:
Division A
Interface
Division B
Hanil E. Hwa
Division C
SAFA
Division D
Alpha Phi Alpha
Most Money Raised by Individuals:
First Place - Clara Ellenburg-Aplin
Second Place - Renita Russell
Third Place - Valerie Holloway
Funds raised by March for Babies in Georgia help support prenatal wellness programs, research grants, newborn intensive care units (NICU), family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies.
Contributions are still being accepted for this year’s March for Babies. For further information please contact the Troup County March of Dimes at 706-845-3025 or on the Web at www.marchforbabies.com.
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