“WalkAmerica, the walk to save babies, takes place at Hines Park in Wayne County on April 28th and at Hart Plaza, Metro-Beach MetroPark and Troy on April 29th,  said Tom Riopelle, March of Dimes State Director of Michigan.  “WalkAmerica supports the March of Dimes fight to save babies from premature birth – the leading killer of newborns – and from other serious threats to infant health,” he said. 

    
UAW president, Ron Gettelfinger, became the first honorary state-wide chair for Michigan’s WalkAmerica in 2004 and plays a vital role in encouraging UAW members and Michigan families to join the effort to give every baby a healthy start in life. Originally, he was to serve a one-year term. But, because of the success of WalkAmerica, Gettelfinger agreed to serve again.  Gettelfinger expanded his efforts and began recruiting the help of the Big Three automakers where he was successful in getting Ford Motor Company involved.  Then DaimlerChrysler and General Motors agreed to come on board, as well.

“The support of the March of Dimes is a growing effort and we are pleased to be working together with the UAW, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company and General Motors. We are expanding the campaign nationally and encouraging all our facilities to participate. Our goal is to contribute to every baby having a healthy start in life," said Tom Riopelle.

The WalkAmerica 2007 honorary state chairs are John Franciosi, Senior Vice President Employee Labor Relations DaimlerChrysler, Joe Hinrichs, Vice President North America Manufacturing Ford Motor Company, General Holiefield, Vice President UAW DaimlerChrysler, Bob King Vice President UAW Ford, Cal Rapson, Vice President UAW General Motors and Diana Tremblay, General Motors North America, Vice President for Labor Relations.