| (Southfield, MI - August 24, 2003) WalkAmerica, the March of Dimes biggest annual event, will take place at most Michigan locations on the weekend of April 24 and 25, 2004. Proceeds raised by the eight-mile walk will help the March of Dimes promote the health of babies through programs of research, community service, advocacy and education.
Over 12,000 people of all ages and from all types of backgrounds take part in Michigan’s WalkAmerica. Participants collect pledges from family, friends, and co-workers.
As honorary chair, UAW President Gettelfinger will be encouraging UAW members and all Michigan families to participate and make the 2004 WalkAmerica a huge success. In addition, the UAW’s Community Services Department and UAW local unions’ Community Services Committees will play a key role in promoting WalkAmerica.
“The UAW believes it is important that we give back to our communities,” stated Ron Gettelfinger. “We are proud to have the opportunity to support the March of Dimes and the great work they do, so that we may see the day when all babies get a healthy start in life.”
Gettelfinger is the first statewide honorary chair for Michigan’s WalkAmerica as well as the first labor leader to serve as an honorary chair in Michigan.
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community service, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a five-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web Site at www.marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web Site www.nacersano.org or call 1-888-MODIMES.
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