“March of Dimes is appreciative to once again have the support of Sonny’s Real Pit B-B-Q during Prematurity Awareness Month,” said Paula Howell, March of Dimes regional vice president.  “Sonny’s support will help the March of Dimes fund research and programs that help give all babies the chance to be born healthy.”  

“We are proud to support this cause that affects too many families across this country,” added Bob Yarmuth, Chairman/CEO of Sonny’s Franchise Company.  

During November, Prematurity Awareness Month, the March of Dimes focuses the nation’s attention on the impact premature birth has on babies and families and communities, such as in Florida where more than 32,000 babies are born too soon every year.  Preterm birth is a serious and costly health problem and is the leading cause of death in the first month of life. One in every eight babies is born too soon each year in the United States, and the preterm birth rate has increased more than 20 percent since 1990. Preterm birth costs the nation more than $26 billion a year.  

Sonny’s has partnered with the March of Dimes on various community initiatives including participating in March for Babies, Signature Chefs, Mud Volleyball, and more.  

Floyd “Sonny” Tillman founded Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q in 1968 in Gainesville, Florida.  Today, Sonny’s has more than 125 restaurants with over 6,000 team members in nine southeastern states.  To view a menu or to learn more about Sonny’s Bar-B-Q, visit sonnysbbq.com.   The 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.