Team captains will be encouraged to share ideas and information on the success of their teams as well as learn more about the March of Dimes and pick up supplies. Honorary Chair, Jim Sacia as well as the Chairs of the WalkAmerica committee, Gene Wall and Christy Simmer, wish to welcome the public to join the kickoff to learn more about WalkAmerica.  A reservation to attend the luncheon can be made by calling Dana at Stephenson County Health Dept. at  599-8404.

Top team award for the 2005 campaign will be presented to Newell Rubbermaid, and the top walker award will go to Christy Simmer.  The top Family Team will be awarded to the Simmer’s team and the most improved team award will be presented to the Rossi family.     

The March of Dimes is honored to present the $7,800 local community grant check to the Stephenson County Health Department to support “access to services”.  (See accompanying press release.)

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. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish language Web site at nacersano.org.

Kmart Corp., CIGNA Healthcare, Famous Footwear, Farmers Insurance Group and Fed Ex sponsor WalkAmerica nationally. The Stephenson County WalkAmerica committee is grateful for the walk site sponsorship of Newell Rubbermaid, as well as additional sponsorship support from Stephenson County Health Dept., Adkins, Monroe Clinic and Freeport Health Network.  The Stephenson County WalkAmerica event will take place Saturday, May 6, 2006 at Krape Park. Please contact the March of Dimes at www.marchofdimes.com/illinois or call 815-397-0097 with any questions or to sign up your team.