Tampa, FL, April 01, 2012 —

Raising money for the March of Dimes is something Melissa and Cory Butz have really taken to heart. Since their daughter’s premature birth in 2007, Team Ryleigh has raised over $60,000 and last year, they were the #1 Family Team in Florida.

The Butz’ firmly believe that the money raised by March of Dimes prior to Ryleigh’s premature birth helped her become a success story. Additionally, they credit the March of Dimes with providing the health care workers the necessary resources and tools to help Ryleigh in the fight for her life.

Cory says, “The effort we put forth now in raising money for March of Dimes is our way of giving back a little and saying thank you for what we received. So many people benefit from the efforts of this great organization without ever even knowing it. Those with perfectly healthy babies are reaping the rewards that the March of Dimes funding provides to the latest in medical technologies.”

Each year, Team Ryleigh sets higher fundraising goals and works hard to reach them. They have been extremely successful in their fundraising efforts and work diligently with Florida Chapter staff and volunteers to help coach other teams to success. Although their fundraising success is a team effort, it all started with one person. It was Melissa’s idea to start a team in 2007. It truly is a testament to what people can do when they ask the question, “What can one person do to help? ”In 2010 we raised $16,500 and last year we raised $19,595. This year we will set our goal high again and shoot to surpass the $25,000 mark.”

Today Ryleigh is a healthy, smart, and energetic six year old. Looking at her you cannot tell she was born premature. She is fine with her academics and her social skills are good. The only remnant of her early birth is a little asthma and she tends to catch colds quite often, which may be attributable to a weaker immune system, but not to the point of concern by any doctors. We are truly blessed to have the outcome we did.