The Doctors Dr. Lisa Masterson and Dr. Peter S. Waldstein, a Prominent Hollywood Pediatrician, Will Receive Golden Rattle Award

Los Angeles, CA, Sept. 27, 2008 – The March of Dimes will host the 3rd annual Celebration of Babies to recognize some of the most prominent individuals who are celebrating the birth of their children and who are role models for the March of Dimes commitment to healthy babies.

The stylish event, hosted by actress Jennie Garth of the new 90210 and What I  Like About You, is being held today at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.

This special gala luncheon (formerly known as babyLOVE) will honor Dr. Lisa Masterson and Dr. Peter Waldstein with the Golden Rattle Award for their commitment to the March of Dimes mission.  Jay McGraw, Executive Producer of The Doctors will present Dr. Masterson's award and the actress/model Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon will present Dr. Waldstein's. The March of Dimes also will pay tribute to the Stork Club, a group of celebrities and prominent individuals who are expecting or have had a baby in 2008.

The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a boutique and silent auction followed by the awards luncheon at 12:30 p.m.  ABC’s Emmy award-winning reporter George Pennacchio will  serve as master of ceremonies.

This year’s Stork Club includes A. J. Cook, Criminal Minds; Diane Farr, Numb3rs; Melissa Joan Hart, Sabrina, The Teenage Witch and husband Mark Wilkerson, Grammy nominee; Harold Perrineau, Lost; Elizabeth Röhm, Law & Order; Fred Savage, The Wonder Years; Jodie Sweetin, Full House; Lauren Sanchez, actress and news anchor; and Sean Patrick Thomas, The District and Save the Last Dance.

More than 400 guests will begin the morning with a luxury boutique shopping experience, which includes the finest selection of designer clothes, accessories and gifts from vendors that include Homemade Baby, Mustela, Heather Moore Jewelry, Bella Inspired, Terri Michele Fragrances, Dr. Peter's Child Identity Kit, Petit Bijou by Garcelle, Tough Cookies Boutique, Baby Eggi, The Silly Wagon and Dr. Fresh. Guests also will have the opportunity to bid on lavish gifts and luxurious vacations in the silent auction.

“Babies who survive premature birth often suffer from serious, lifelong complications,” said Diana Bianchini, Celebration of Babies chair. “From their lungs and hearts to their brains and eyes, premature babies can start life with a range of health problems that may never get better.  The goal of the March of Dimes is to give every baby a healthy start in life.”

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.
                                          
For more information, please contact Patricia A. Gonzalez-Portillo of the California Chapter at the March of Dimes at (213) 637-5070 or pportillo@marchofdimes.com