FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, July 29, 2004

REVVING UP FOR THE MARCH OF DIMES RIDE TO SAVE BABIES

WHAT: Motorcycle enthusiasts are creating miracles by participating in the 3rd Annual March of Dimes RIDE To Save Babies.  Proceeds generated by the 100-mile scenic ride benefit the March of Dimes Hawaii Chapter to help in their mission of preventing birth defects and premature birth in the Islands.

WHEN: Sunday, August 1, 2004
 RIDE # 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
 RIDE Post Party # 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Starting and ending at Hard Rock Cafe

WHY: Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death and many lifelong disabilities.  More than half the time it occurs for unknown reasons.  The incidence of preterm birth in Hawaii has increased by an alarming 33 percent from 1992 to 2002.  In an average week in Hawaii, 48 babies are born preterm or very preterm, 31 babies are born with a low or very low birthweight and three babies die before their first birthday.  The March of Dimes, whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality, is funding research to find the causes of prematurity and ways to address them.

VISUALS/    ** Colorful motorcycle groups dressed in their best leather and bandanas join
INTERVIEWS:  together in packs on the road.
** The roar of motorcycles as they cruise past to help save babies.
** Interview RIDE participants on why they come out every year to support the
  March of Dimes.
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CONTACT:
Jennifer Bowers, Communications Pacific (Ph: 543-3512, Cell: 295-2758)
Starr Wedemeyer, Communications Pacific (Ph: 543-3551, Cell: 358-4658)