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Babies helping babies: March of Dimes fund-raiser |
| Channels » Home » News » Babies helping babies: March of Dimes fund-raiser |
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March 20, 2005 |
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By Rachel E. Sheeley
Staff writer
Nine-month-old Elizabeth Bryant celebrated her first-place win in the March of Dimes baby contest at Beverly Healthcare Golden Rule by tasting the plastic bag containing one of her prizes.
Her mother, Melissa Bryant, quickly ended the taste test but continued the celebration.
"It's for a good cause," Melissa Bryant said. "I told everybody whether she won or not, she was still going to be the cutest baby to me."
Amy Wasson, whose 18-month-old daughter, Michelle Wasson, took second place, agreed the reason for the competition was the cause.
Fourteen babies ages birth to 18 months participated in the penny-per-vote competition, which raised $250 for the March of Dimes, said coordinator Sherry Leerssen. The babies entered were family members of Golden Rule residents and staff.
Chris Reitz, March of Dimes' community-annual giving director, traveled from Indianapolis for the event and presented the bags of prizes to the first- and second-place winners.
The baby contest profits will be added to the proceeds of other fund-raising efforts at Golden Rule and its sister care center, Oak Ridge Rehab and Specialty Care Center, toward the Beverly Healthcare team's $5,000 WalkAmerica goal. Golden Rule also is planning a contest for toddlers ages 18 months to 4 years.
Beverly Healthcare's two facilities have 35 walkers signed up to participate in the April 23 event to raise money to prevent prematurity. The centers also are having silent auctions and are doing other money-raising activities.
They are among a number of area businesses, organizations, families and individuals raising money for the March of Dimes.
"This cause is really important," said Beverly Healthcare customer relations representative Vickie Cortner, who also is on the WalkAmerica committee. "My oldest daughter was premature when she was born. She was a seven-months baby."
Cortner said she was fortunate her daughter weighed four pounds and didn't require the medical assistance so many premature births need.
"We're really fortunate to have an organization like the March of Dimes to help babies," Cortner said.
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