Discover > Magazine > March 2012 > March for Babies
GIVE BABIES A FUTURE
Raise money for March of Dimes and give babies a healthy start
story by Adrian Kendrick
More than 500,000 babies are born prematurely every year. The good news: You can help not only those premature babies, but all babies start off healthy and strong by participating in March for Babies. Sign up your Key Club for the March of Dimes’ annual fundraiser, and start raising pledges.
Key Clubbers who participate in March for Babies make a huge difference, says Allison Hauser, March of Dimes’ associate director of (U.S.) national youth leadership development.
“When you walk in March for Babies, you give hope to the more than half a million babies born too soon each year,” Hauser says. “The money you raise supports and funds programs and research that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies.”
Not feeling the “fun” in fundraising? Try these ideas to spice up your pledge efforts for March for Babies.
Bowling for babies:
Ask a bowling alley to donate some of its proceeds from one night of bowling to your March for Babies pledge fund. Advertise the event in your school with fliers and announcements, and make sure to invite other students and faculty members.
Beanbags for babies:
Order beanbags and stuffed animals from plushland.com, calplush.com or with a special form from your local March of Dimes chapter. Get permission to sell the items at school events—basketball games, activity fairs and open houses, for example—and add the proceeds to your club’s pledges.
Sweet tooth, sweet success:
Attract donations by appealing to someone’s sweet tooth. Host a dessert tasting with dishes prepared and donated by local restaurants. Advertise the event well. Spread the word throughout your community, and sell tickets at schools, shops and offices.
Bids to help babies:
Host a silent auction of items and services donated by businesses. Ask a restaurant or convention hall to let you reserve space for free as a contribution to the cause. Charge $10 for admission. Want bonus points? Arrange for a band or solo musician to play.
Selfless birthday wishes:
Ask friends and family to make a pledge on your behalf as a birthday gift.
Organize a fashion show that features clothing from local stores. It’s a great way for smaller designers to showcase their clothes, and you can add the admission fee to your donation pool.