March for Babies raises $29,000

A little rainy weather didn't stop Dyer County residents from showing up to support the March for Babies on Saturday, Sept. 19. These walkers came together at Okeena Park for an event to raise funds and awareness of the many ways the March of Dimes helps give every baby a healthy start. The organization funds important research and community programs to help women complete full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. During the 2009 campaign, Dyer County has raised $29,000 so far, with more fundraisers planned.

Members of the Dyer County Chapter of the March of Dimes have raised $29,000 through its 2009 March for Babies campaign.

On Saturday, Sept. 19, in spite of overcast skies and inclement weather, teams arrived at Okeena Park to March for Babies and celebrate the organization that funds important research and community programs to help women complete full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives.

2009 Dyer County March of Dimes Honorary Chairman Tonya Arnold kicked off the event by welcoming the many local residents, community leaders, families, local businesses and organizations who volunteered for the walk and raised money for the March of Dimes.

2009 Dyer County March of Dimes Ambassador Kaelyn Beth Conway takes a turn around the park during the March for Babies. [Click to enlarge]

Arnold's address was followed by a prayer offered by Dyer County Mayor Richard Hill, stretching exercises led by YMCA personal trainer Amy Carroll, and two laps around the Okeena Park walking track.

Food was donated by Daylight Doughnuts, Dyersburg Regional Medical Center and McDonalds, with drinks provided by Burks Beverage.

Signs were printed and donated by Art Craft Signs.

Participating teams included Breakfast Rotary Club, Security Bank, Dyersburg Regional Medical Center, City of Dyersburg, Kaelyn's Team, First Citizens National Bank, Dyersburg State Community College, Team Olivia, Emma's Team, Dykes Family Team, Dyersburg State Community College, Glozier Triplets and Dyersburg Dental.

Local sponsors were ERMCO, Firestone, Dyersburg Regional Medical Center, Lulu's, Sun Products, Security Bank, First Citizens National Bank, Wal-Mart, Dyersburg Tax Service, Caterpillar, White and Associates/First Citizens Insurance, R & S Carpet, First Citizens Financial Plus, Super D Pharmacy, D & B Properties Sonic, public accountant Charles Cowles, General Appliance, Ford Construction, Bruce Hayes Communication, Bradshaw & Company Insurors, Long Farms, Billy Rogers Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, and Wilkerson Gauldin Hayes & Jenkins.

"(We want to be sure to) thank not only our teams, but also our local sponsors," said Publicity Co-Leader Megan Madden. "Without the community coming together, we could not have been so successful and raised so much money. It is great to know we live in a town where everyone still helps out a great cause!"

2009 Dyer County March of Dimes Committee members include: Angie Smith, Irene Smith, Megan Madden, Sharon Callens, Cheraton Dykes, Honorary Chairperson Tonya Arnold, Michelle Glass, Kerrie Heckethorn, Laura Beth Butler, Judy Long and Charlotte Lewis.