Terri Spitz , March of Dimes, (602) 287-9929, tspitz@marchofdimes.com.
Tucson, Arizona, August 05, 2011 —

This year in Arizona, more than 12,000 babies will be born prematurely. Determined to help change this startling statistic is Chad Fife, District Manager, Fry’s Food Store. Fife has accepted the role of 2012 March for Babies Tucson Chairman. By supporting the March of Dimes largest event, March for Babies®, in Tucson, Fife and Fry’s Food Stores are helping raise awareness and vital funds to improve the health of babies.

March for Babies — the nation’s premier walking event — is held in 900 communities across the United States. More than 7 million people get involved each year. March for Babies Tucson will be held Sunday, April 29, 2012 at University of Arizona Mall.  

With the support of companies like Fry’s Food Stores, March of Dimes has helped reduce the rate of premature birth. “But too many babies are still born too soon and sick,” stated Fife. “That is why I’m enlisting our employees, urging my competitors, and calling on the community to join March for Babies and walk with us for stronger, healthier babies.”  

In 2011, more than 2,000 people attended the event and raised over $285,000. In the last decade, Fry’s Food Stores has raised over $1.3 million for March of Dimes in Southern Arizona. Fife has committed to raise $100,000 for the upcoming March for Babies Tucson.  

In addition to supporting medical research, the funds raised through March for Babies help support community programs aimed at improving the health of mothers and babies.  March of Dimes Arizona Chapter recently awarded two community grants in Tucson totaling over $30,000.  The grant recipients included the Teen Outreach Pregnancy Service’s program, “TOPS TEN” and Our Family Services, for its “Prepared Teens” program.   

“It takes leaders like Chad Fife to generate enthusiasm, awareness and support,” said Chris Huyett, Southern Division Director for March of Dimes Arizona Chapter. “His commitment and encouragement will directly benefit babies here in Tucson and all across the state.”  

About Fry’s Food Stores

Fry’s Food Stores is headquartered in Tolleson, Arizona.  The company employs more than 18,300 Arizona residents. The 121 Fry’s Food Stores service more than one million households per week. Fry’s has been serving Arizonans with fresh food at famous low prices since 1960. Fry’s Food Stores is a proud member of the Kroger Co. based in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information, visit the company’s web site at www.frysfood.com.    

About March of Dimes

March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.  March for Babies — the nation’s premier walking event — is held in 900 communities across the United States. More than 7 million people get involved each year.  For more information visit www.marchforbabies.com or www.nacersano.org.