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UNITED AIRLINES MANAGING DIRECTOR TAKES LEADERSHIP ROLE IN MARCH OF DIMES ANNUAL FUNDRAISER MARCH FOR BABIES – APRIL 28^TH  

A prominent Bay Area business leader, RALF RUCKELSHAUSEN,  Managing Director for United Airlines’ San Francisco HUB operations, will take a leadership role as event Chair for March for Babies in California. March for Babies is the annual fundraiser and walking event by March of Dimes that helps support lifesaving research and programs to make sure every baby gets a chance for a healthy start in life. March for Babies is the longest-running and most widely recognized walking event in the nation, generating more than $1.5 billion for the organization over its 42-year history.  The San Francisco event takes place SATURDAY, APRIL 28th at the Great Meadow at Fort Mason and will include an 8 mile walk followed by a fun-filled day of festivities. Bay Area residents can sign up today and start a team with co-workers, family or friends. For information call (415) 788-2202.  

Last year, the San Francisco event raised more than  $750,000 –  this year, the March for Babies Chairs hope to bring in even more by focusing on new revenue and helping to raise awareness in the Bay Area.     

“As the 2012 event Chair I am honored to support the critically important work of the March of Dimes, in their efforts to make a difference in the lives of mothers and babies,” said March for Babies 2012 Chair Ralf  Ruckelshausen. “I hope everyone will join me and my United Airlines co-workers in helping March of Dimes achieve its goal of improving the health of all babies.”      

Ralf Ruckelshausen is the Managing Director for United Airlines’ San Francisco HUB operations. Ralf joined United in 1987.  He served as San Francisco Ramp and Cargo manager, Los Angeles Customer Service manager, Seattle general manager and Director global Ramp planning and United Express Operations at the Elk Grove, Il, headquarters.  In 2005, he was appointed San Francisco General Manager and in 2010 appointed Managing Director for the newly merged Continental/United San Francisco HUB.  He has served on the board of PalCare, serves on the board for SFIA charity golf tournament and chair of the San Francisco Fantasy Flight.     

About the March of DimesThe March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.