Bikers Hit the Road for Babies
17th Annual March of Dimes Bikers for Babies® Brings Riders Together

Syracuse, NY, July 24, 2009— In Syracuse on Saturday, August 1, 2009, die-hard bikers and weekend warriors will ride together to raise urgently needed funds to help every baby be born healthy.  Bikers for Babies® will have a NEW START SITE from Jamesville Beach Park, 4110 West Shore Manor, just east of Syracuse.  The kickstands go up and the ride will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. 

Individual riders, as well as motorcycle clubs, will hit the road to support March of Dimes and help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives.  Funds raised by Bikers for Babies® currently support nearly $1 million in active mission investments in the Central New York Division that have a direct impact on the lives of local families.  Among this support are national research grants at Syracuse and Cornell Universities, as well as community program grants at Upstate Medical University.

Ben Rabin, 2009 Honorary Bikers for Babies® Volunteer Chair says, “Seeing the riders set out together in support of the smallest members of our community is always an incredible sight.  The roar of the bikes moving in unison speaks to the power this group has to help babies.” 

Nearly 1,200 bikers from nine other Central New York start sites are expected to converge back at Jamesville Beach Park in the early afternoon for lunch from the famous Dinosaur BBQ and Gianelli Sausage, music by the popular club band, Rhythm Method, a variety of select vendors and fabulous prizes from donors, such as Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Skaneateles, NY.

Local sponsorship and leadership is provided by Alexander & Catalano.

In addition, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s charitable organization, The Dale Jr. Foundation has donated a custom-built Orange County Chopper to the March of Dimes.  They’ve  teamed up with Dee Snider, rock ’n roll performer, national radio host, father of four and national spokesperson for March of Dimes Bikers for Babies®, to promote this unique opportunity.  Learn more about the chopper at bikersforbabies.org.

The most urgent infant health problem in the U.S. today is premature birth.  It affects more than half a million babies each year, with the number growing every day.  In 2008, the March of Dimes issued a Report Card on Premature Birth, giving the nation a D and New York State a D.  Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities.  The March of Dimes is committed to reducing this toll by funding research to find the answers to premature birth and providing comfort and information to families who are affected. 

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies®, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

-30-