Her tenure, which began as Vice President in the March of Dimes National Office in New York and then transferred to a volunteer role in the North Central Florida Division, spans over thirty years. During that time, she has served selflessly and tirelessly in whatever capacity to which she is called. When Mary’s professional career took her to leadership in other organizations, her love and passion for the mission of the March of Dimes never waned.

While in White Plains, Mary was critical in the creation of the March of Dimes Chain Reaction Youth Leadership Council. As a volunteer, she has continued to be a behind-the-scenes “cheerleader” for the Gainesville Council and a strong supported of March of Dimes youth programs. (Photo: Mary Hughes – Mary Hughes accepts the North Central Florida Division Volunteer of the Year award in 2006. Pictured left to right – Marilyn Tubb,State Board Member, Mary Hughes, Tami Higdon, Division Board Member).

                                                                                                  Mary has never needed titles for the work she has done on behalf of the March of Dimes, but she has been given quite a few. Mary was honored with the Distinguished Volunteer Service Award for the Southern Region. She was Chair of the State Program Services Committee, and responsible for creating the committee when the state merged to one chapter. She also created a grant evaluation subcommittee, gave momentum to the Folic Acid Campaign, and laid the groundwork for the Prematurity Campaign.

Mary is an amazing lady and an invaluable asset to the March of Dimes. Whether it is programs, fundraising, or volunteer development, Mary can be found in the arena, always working with only one purpose in mind… doing whatever she can to give every baby a healthier start in life. (Photo Above: Mary Hughes w CR o3 – Mary Hughes (center) poses with former Gainesville Chain Reaction members).

**The President’s Society is a special way to recognize individuals who are helping in the fight to save babies through annual gifts of $1,000 or more.  President’s Society members are partners with March of Dimes in vital work that will lead to the day when every baby has the chance to be born healthy.  In many ways members are shareholders in the future of our nation, a future that rests in the hands of our children.  Making a gift to the March of Dimes is the best way to ensure the future health of America’s babies.  That’s because your donation will fund cutting-edge research that is unraveling the mysteries of birth defects to find new treatments and a cure for babies whom desperately need them.  For more information or to join the President’s Society, call 813-287-2600 or email ddawson@marchofdimes.com.