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For Immediate Release: January 13, 2004
Contact: Kassie Boehringer, 503-222-9434, kboehringer@marchofdimes.com
Eric Parsons to Chair 2004 March of Dimes WalkAmerica
The March of Dimes is pleased to announce that Eric Parsons, president and chief executive officer of StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. and Standard Insurance Company, will serve as chair for WalkAmerica in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The involvement of local leaders of the highest caliber across the nation is a key element in the continuing strength and success of WalkAmerica, the largest fundraising event for the March of Dimes. This event, to be held Saturday, April 24, in Portland, Oregon, provides funding for research and programs aimed at discovering the causes of premature birth.
Premature birth is the leading cause of infant death and a major cause of lifelong disabilities. It affects 1 out of every 11 babies born in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Premature birth has increased 27 percent since 1981. Through WalkAmerica, local volunteers will raise money for critical March of Dimes programs to save these tiny babies.
WalkAmerica is sponsored nationally by Kmart, CIGNA, Famous Footwear and Discovery Health Channel. Local sponsors include Key Bank, First Tech Credit Union, Farmers Insurance, Standard Insurance Company, KATU The Sprit of the Northwest, and 105.1 The Buzz and 99.5 The Wolf radio. |
