Northwest Airlines supports the March of Dimes Michigan Chapters
Signature Chefs and Summit on Prematurity
 
Southfield, MI (August 27, 2007) – Northwest Airlines (NYSE: NWA) will serve as the official airline of Signature Chefs and the Prematurity Summit, the March of Dimes, Michigan Chapter is pleased to announce.  “As a compliment to the Northwest Airlines KidCares program, we cannot imagine a more important cause than supporting an organization that works towards giving babies a healthy start in life,” said Mary Mortenson, Manager, Sponsorships & Community Relations for Northwest Airlines.  Northwest Airlines has partnered with the March of Dimes Michigan Chapter for a number of years, and this is the second year they have been a statewide partner.

 “We are fortunate to join with Northwest Airlines once again,” noted Thomas Riopelle, State Director for March of Dimes in Michigan.  “More importantly, we appreciate their support in partnering with us to continue striving for the day when every baby has a healthy start in life.” 

Beginning in September through November, March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auctions will take place in locations throughout the state, showcasing the talents of some of Michigan’s premier chefs and the restaurants they represent.  While enjoying the entertainment, guests are invited to sample specially prepared food while browsing the silent auction.  The silent auction helps raise vital funds to support our mission: to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality.
 
As a part of the March of Dimes five-year campaign to fight prematurity, the Michigan Chapter will hold the Summit on Prematurity, November 12th  - part of the March of Dimes national campaign to call attention to the problem of premature birth.  November is designated as Prematurity Awareness Month by the March of Dimes.  “One in eight babies is born too small and too soon, many without warning and for no known reason.  It’s the leading cause of newborn death in the first month of life,” said Tom Riopelle. 

Northwest Airlines is one of the world’s largest airlines with hubs at Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Tokyo and Amsterdam, and approximately 1,400 daily departures. Northwest is a member of SkyTeam, an airline alliance that offers customers one of the world’s most extensive global networks. Northwest and its travel partners serve more than 1000 cities in excess of 160 countries on six continents.

-More-

(Northwest Partnership – continued)

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

# # #