Chicago -- The 12th annual March of Dimes motorcycle Ride for Babies will take place on August 20, 2006 at Mick's Southside V-Twin, 12646 S. Kroll Drive in Alsip, IL.  More than 200 riders from all over the Chicagoland area are expected at this AMA sanctioned event.  The RIDE is open to club riders, new riders and anyone who cares about the health of babies!

This 50-mile poker run will begin at 12:00 noon with registration opening at 10:30 am.  Minimum donations are $20.00 before August 17th, $25.00 for day-of registration and $15.00 per passenger.  Breakfast and lunch are provided.  There will be music, incentive prizes, giveaways, and a finish line festival with food and entertainment from 1:00-5:00p.m.  All proceeds will support the March of Dimes in its effort to prevent birth defects, prematurity, and infant mortality. 

Everyday 1 in 8 babies are born prematurely in the U.S.  Illinois ranks 34th in the U.S. for babies dying before their first birthday.

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.