Sunny skies shine on ‘March for Babies’
The March of Dimes “March for Babies” was held on a perfect spring afternoon with more than 40 teams coming together. Teams gathered in Long Park on April 23 before taking a stroll through downtown Farmington.
A total of $46,000 was collected on race day – close to the goal of $48,000 and with additional donations to be added. The event raises money for the March of Dimes and enables the organization to continue its ongoing investment in research, education, and community programs that save babies’ lives and prevent birth defects and prematurity.
Local sponsors for the event included: Gold Level sponsors-Parkland Health Center, Ozarks Federal Savings and Loan and St. Francis Medical Center. Silver and bronze level sponsors included Daily Journal, B104.3, BJC Medical Group Medical Arts Clinic, Mineral Area Regional Medical Center, Handi-Craft, First State Community Bank and US Tool Group.
Dustin and Danica Kopp of Farmington were walking with their daughter Declynn, 3. The family served as the Ambassador family for the walk in 2013. Declynn was at 31 weeks gestation when delivered on Oct. 9, 2011 and spent six weeks in Mercy’s Emerson NICU. This year is special as well. The couple are expecting their second child, a girl, in October.
Saydi Smith, 4, stands next to the sign honoring the healthy strides she has made following her premature birth in 2011. Saydi and her mother, Rachel, were participating in the March of Dimes “March for Babies” on April 23 at Long Park.
Teams walk together in support of healthy babies during the March of Dimes “March for Babies” on April 23.
Roger Breakfield applies face paint to Kaden Kernan, 8, during the pre-walk festivities for the March of Dimes “March for Babies.”
A group from US Bank prepares hot dogs for participants of the March of Dimes “March for Babies” on April 23 in Long Park. Pictured from left are Trint Slevin, Janette Slevin, Marvin Lee and Molly Hedgecorth. The group said the event takes on new meaning following the experience of their coworker Jamie Davis, whose twin daughters received help following their premature birth last year.
