Reporter
March of Dimes will step up fundraising this weekend to help support research and programs dedicated to infant health.
The nonprofit is hosting a walking event from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday behind the Mayborn Museum at the Governor Bill and Vara Daniel Historic Village. The actual walk does not start until 9 a.m., according to Becky Goss-Shepherd, March of Dimes division director in Waco, Temple and Killeen.
The event is free and will feature activities like face painting and games as well as free food and beverages. While free, March of Dimes will accept donations on site or online. Their mission is to “help moms have full-term pregnancies and research the problems that threaten the health of babies,” according to the March of Dimes website at www.marchofdimes.com.
Goss-Shepard said this event is not just for people who have children or are planning on having children.
“This walk is just for everybody, not necessarily just for those with a family, “Goss-Shepherd said. “It’s really just for everybody. It’s planning for your child-bearing years.”
The March of Dimes sponsors many programs devoted to infant health and awareness including Becoming A Mom and Healthy Babies Are Worth the Wait.
Becoming a Mom is a zip code-targeted program that works with moms who do not get prenatal care.
The program offers them prenatal care education and support throughout their pregnancy. Healthy Babies Are Worth the Wait is a program that promotes awareness about the health benefits of keeping a baby in the womb until 39 weeks.
