Denver, Colo./JP Lizzy (jplizzy.com), a premier maker of classic baby-friendly bags and purses today announced its support of March of Dimes efforts to raise awareness of premature birth, with the introduction of a special collection –  March of Dimes “Project Growth” Tote Bags. The collection will be available beginning February 1, 2007. JP Lizzy founder, Wendy Barry, has a strong connection to this cause since she began the company shortly after giving birth to her twins prematurely September 11, 2001. 

JP Lizzy’s March of Dimes special collection consists of two tote bags, the Sprout (pictured below) and the Bloom (shown above). Three hundred of each design will be available for a total of 600 bags. The bags will be sold for $98 each, and the company is donating $10 from the purchase of each tote bag to the Colorado chapter of the March of Dimes. The donation’s retail value is $6,000. The bags can be purchased online at eBags.com and retail stores across the country. 

According to March of Dimes, nearly 8,500 babies are born prematurely in Colorado in an average year. Between 1994 and 2004, the rate of infants born preterm in Colorado increased more than 18 percent.  In 2005, the annual societal economic cost (medical, educational and lost productivity) associated with preterm birth in the United States was at least $26.2 billion. 

“We thank JP Lizzy for their support and for continuing to help us raise prematurity awareness in Colorado,” said Shelly Goodchild, state director of the March of Dimes Colorado chapter. “The Sprout and Bloom totes are beautifully designed and are a creative way to help support March of Dimes.  We applaud JP Lizzy’s efforts for getting involved as a corporation. The fact that Wendy can personally relate to the cause is a tremendous support to our organization.”

Wendy Barry began JP Lizzy after giving birth to twin babies, who arrived ten weeks early and weighed a little over two pounds each. Having premature twins was an overwhelming, and inspiring experience bundled into one. The company name came from the very inspiration for the business, Wendy’s twins John Patrick (JP) and Emma Elizabeth (Lizzy).

“I’m excited to develop and nurture a long-term relationship with the March of Dimes,” Wendy stated. “I firmly support their mission and look forward to working with them for years to come.”

In addition, JP Lizzy will be sponsoring the March of Dimes WalkAmerica event on April 28, 2007, at Civic Center Park in Denver. A JP Lizzy team of supporters will be walking to raise awareness of premature birth and funds for prevention. For more information on WalkAmerica, please visit walkamerica.org.

About JP Lizzy
Recognizing a need for a practical bag that allows moms to express their sense of style, designer Wendy Barry developed the plan for JP Lizzy - a name she chose based on the inspiration of her twins, John Patrick and Emma Elizabeth.  As women, we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders while still trying to look chic and feel organized. Sure our priorities shift in life, but that doesn't mean we have to give up style and color.  JP Lizzy bags are fun yet functional. Fashionable yet practical. And most importantly, they're designed with women's ever-changing needs in mind.  For more information, a complete listing of retailers and to view the entire JP Lizzy collection, please visit jplizzy.com.
 
About the March of Dimes
A national nonprofit health organization founded in 1938, the March of Dimes is dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. To achieve its mission, the organization funds research, community services, education and advocacy. In Colorado, the March of Dimes currently funds more than $1.3 million in healthy-baby programs. More information is available at marchofdimes.com/colorado.  

Media contacts

JP Lizzy:
Lauri Harrison
Lauri Harrison PR
303-885-4200
lh@lauriharrison.com

March of Dimes:
Becky Herlinger
March of Dimes
(303) 692-0011
bherlinger@marchofdimes.com