(Indianapolis, IN, September 9, 2005)—The March of Dimes announces that Tom Zupancic, Senior Vice President of Business Development for the Indianapolis Colts and Dr. James A. Lemons, Professor of Pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine will be honored at the 9th Annual Indianapolis Signature Chefs Auction being held on October 26th at the Hyatt Regency downtown.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to honor these community leaders," says Catherine Popp-Hoffman, Event Chairperson.  "Dr. Lemons has been a critical leader and March of Dimes partner in bringing about real change in the lives of infants and children in Indiana. Mr. Zupancic is a great example of community leadership and dedication to children and family."

“This event is a triumph for mothers and babies across Indiana,” says Chris McNeely, March of Dimes Senior Community Director.   “1 in 8 babies is born prematurely in Indiana each year, more than 10,500 each year.  Most of these babies have to struggle to survive the first hours, days and weeks of life.  It is a struggle many lose.  Others have to live with the consequences of premature birth like cerebral palsy, blindness, and respiratory problems and developmental delays.  The March of Dimes is focusing on this infant health crisis.  The funds raised from this event will be used to fund March of Dimes research and community programs aimed at fighting premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality.”

Tickets and sponsorships for the event are available now. Each table seats 8 people. For more information about the event and to reserve your space please contact Chris McNeely at the Central Division of the March of Dimes Indiana Chapter at 262-4668 or by email at cmcneely@marchofdimes.com.   You may also purchase a table and tickets online at www.marchofdimes.com/Indiana.

For more information about birth defects, prematurity and infant mortality and what you can do to prevent them visit the March of Dimes Pregnancy and Newborn Health Education Center at www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec.  It is a free community service of the March of Dimes where women and families can get expert, caring advice about risks to the health of an expected baby and how to care for a newborn.

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/Indiana or its Spanish language Web site at nacersano.org.