Published: May 08, 2008 10:05 pm         

Fighting to save babies’ lives

March of Dimes walk raises $33,000 with more money expected

A 30-minute walk by volunteers from across Laurel County is paying dividends for the community’s babies, courtesy of the March of Dimes. As of Tuesday, participants had collected $33,800 for the event, which was held Sunday at Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park.

“We had a great crowd,” said Michelle Wesley community director for the Cardinal Division of the March of Dimes, which represents 25 counties in southern and eastern Kentucky. “Thank you all for making our first March for Babies a whopping success.”

Individuals and teams from local businesses and organizations, including Aisin, Cumberland Valley National Bank, Community Trust Bank, HSBC, First National Bank of London, The Job Shop, Laurel Cookie Factory, Fed-Ex, Saint Joseph-London, Wal-Mart D.C. and Laurel Grocery, walked the 2-mile course, which began at the park’s brick shelter house near the ranger station, down to McHargue’s Mill, and past the pioneer village before ending back at the shelter.

“We are marching for the babies,” said Sherry Todd when asked why she gave up her part of her weekend to participate. While Todd walked, her 15-month-old daughter Bryanna Grubb got a push in her stroller from teammate Teddy Webb.

While many of the walkers worked for weeks to raise funds, one walker was a last minute substitute. Hank Wilhoit was walking for his wife, who was scheduled to participate with the team from The Job Shop, but had to go out of town. Wilhoit figuratively stepped into her shoes and completed the course.

“She was committed to do this, but when she had to go out of town, I told her I would walk for her,” Wilhoit said.

In addition to the people, there were characters and a number of critters of the canine variety. Marie Marcum, who was walking with the team from L&N Federal Credit Union, brought her 3-year-old Shih Tzu Levi. As they walked down the hill toward McHargue’s Mill, Levi trotted along, taking the time to meet and greet other dogs in the walk.

“He loves it,” Marcum said.

Among the characters was Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz,” who was in the march along with Toto and Raggedy Ann. The characters came to the march courtesy of London Women’s care.

Before the walk began, organizers had a moment of silence for Jerry Deaton, a deputy jailer who died earlier this year due to complications from lupus.

“Jerry was a big supporter of the march,” organizers told the crowd before asking them to bow their heads.

Wesley said all of the proceeds will go to the March of Dimes.

“The money comes back to the area through grants and funding for other programs,” Wesley explained. “The mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and reducing the number of infant deaths.”