ATLANTA, GA – October 20, 2008:  Inspired by the charm of the south and the March of Dimes roots in Warm Springs, Georgia, the Evening of Excellence Gala will celebrate 70 years of March of Dimes success as the nation’s leading organization for pregnancy and baby health. This year, the March of Dimes honors two individuals with the Champion for Babies Awards:  Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle for his leadership in inspiring citizens to make a difference in the lives of children through volunteer service and Dr. Stephen T. Warren of Emory University School of Medicine, one of the leading researchers in the discovery of the Fragile X gene, a breakthrough that holds great promise in solving the mysteries of developmental delays, mental disorders and autism.

“Through their passionate community service and stellar professional achievements, Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle and Dr. Stephen T. Warren exemplify the premise upon which the March of Dimes was founded – by working together, we can solve complex problems and make a profound impact in our community and the world,” says Gala Chair, Carolyn Blaine.  

Evening of Excellence, now in its 8th year, promises an extraordinary affair featuring savory, southern cuisine paired with selected cordials and fine wines divinely executed by a slate of fine chefs led by Chef Robert Gerstenecker of the Four Seasons Atlanta.

WHERE: Four Seasons, 75 Fourteenth Street Atlanta, Georgia 30309
WHEN: Saturday, October 25, 2008

7:00 pm Welcome Reception
7:45 pm  Songs of Inspiration, New Hope AME Choir
8:00 pm  Welcome
  Dinner Served
8:40 pm From Polio to Prematurity Video Presentation
  Champion for Babies Award Presentations

WHO: March of Dimes Board, Carolyn Blaine - Gala Chair, Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle,  Dr. Stephen T. Warren of Emory University School of Medicine, Paul and Kelly Schur - 2008 Evening of Excellence ambassador family sharing their triumphant story of son Connor Elliott, born 11 weeks early, weighing 2 lbs 14 ounces.
 
Just on the heels of the March of Dimes Prematurity Awareness Month in November, the Evening of Excellence gala will provide an opportunity for guests to join moms across the nation in signing the new Preemie Petition recently launched to increase federal, state and corporate support in funding increased research and programs to address the growing crisis of preterm birth. 

Media Note:  Pre-event/night of interviews and press credentials for access in the gala can be arranged by contacting, Laura Johnson, Director of Field Services/Communications at 404-350-9800 ext 203, lljohnson@marchofdimes.com.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.