August 16, 2004 (Newport, DE) – Motorcycle enthusiasts throughout Delaware will ride together September 18, 2004 to help the March of Dimes save babies. Together, they will “Go from Zero to Hero in 60 Seconds” in Delaware’s second annual March of Dimes Bikers for Babies RIDE. Presented by Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson, Bikers for Babies RIDE will further the March of Dimes fight against premature birth and help ensure every baby gets a healthy start in life. Bikers for Babies RIDE is the motorcycle event that saves babies.

Nationally speaking, Bikers for Babies RIDE is one of the newest events for the March of Dimes, and it has quickly become the second-largest charity ride in the country. This year alone, Bikers for Babies RIDE will involve an estimated 30,000 motorcyclists in more than 70 markets nationwide.

In Delaware, Bikers for Babies RIDE will begin at A.I. du Pont Hospital for Children, with registration starting at 9:30 AM. A parade run with police escort will leave at 10:30 AM and will end at Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson (http://www.mikesfamous.com/) in New Castle for an Open House from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A commemorative RIDE pin and bandana will be provided with the $20.00 per rider registration fee. Although participants can register the day of the event, riders are encouraged to pre-register beforehand by calling 302-225-1020, visiting www.marchofdimes.com/delaware, or completing a registration form at Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson. All motorcycles are welcome, and the event will be held rain or shine.

More than 476,000 babies are born prematurely every year in the United States – 1,400 of them in Delaware. Born too soon and too small, their health and their lives are in jeopardy.  Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death and often leads to serious lifelong challenges such as mental retardation, blindness, cerebral palsy and chronic lung disease. In an average week in Delaware, 213 babies are born, 18 babies are born low birthweight, 27 babies are born preterm, and two babies die before their first birthday.

Before participating in Bikers for Babies RIDE, individual motorcyclists and riders from supporting motorcycle clubs are invited to collect contributions from their families, friends and other motorcycle enthusiasts. Every dollar they raise will bring premature birth one mile closer to the end of its road – and every baby closer to a healthy start in life.

“In nearly half the cases of premature birth, the causes are unknown,” says Cathy Kanefsky, state director of the Delaware Chapter of the March of Dimes. “The March of Dimes is committed to finding the answers surrounding premature birth. With the help of these incredible riders and our corporate partners in the community, we’ll get there. And, together, we’ll hit the open road running on September 18th.

“Whether you ride a motorcycle or drive an SUV, you can experience the thrill of saving babies,” Kanefsky adds. “Bikers for Babies RIDE offers something for everyone. The event will begin with a ride, but it will close with a celebration at Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson. Families and individuals in our community are invited to join us for food, live music, and games – including a moonbounce for kids. Music by Dying Breed will ensure a fun for all. Anyone interested in participating can simply pre-register by calling 302-225-1020.”

Joining Presenting Sponsor Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson and Platinum Sponsors Clear Channel Outdoor, River 94.7, and The News Journal are Gold Sponsors Citigroup, Sir Speedy of Newark, FastSigns, and Community Publications and Silver Sponsors Provide LLC, MSP Equipment Rentals, Citizens Bank, Hill Creative Services, Blank Rome/Buddy Berger, and Wachovia Bank. These organizations and other sponsor companies have come together to help the March of Dimes ensure every baby is born full-term and healthy.

“We are proud to support the March of Dimes and be the Presenting Sponsor for the 2nd Annual Bikers for Babies RIDE. It is a natural fit for us,” says Mike Schwartz, owner of Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson and 2004 volunteer chairperson of the Bikers for Babies RIDE committee. “Our customers and most motorcycle riders are very supportive of charities, especially when children are involved.”

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies.  In 2003, the March of Dimes initiated a new national campaign to reduce the rate of premature births.   For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at http://www.marchofdimes.com/ or its Spanish Web site at http://www.nacersano.org/.