, , January 01, 2012 —

Congratulations to Tyler Werbel, Florida’s Top March for Babies Youth Walker in 2011.

Tyler, a University of Florida Freshman, is a recent graduate of the Alachua County March of Dimes Chain Reaction Youth Leadership Council. Being a member of Chain Reaction requires a high standard of initiative, teamwork, time management and energy. One of the responsibilities is to meet the challenge of raising at least $1,000 each year for March for Babies. Tyler easily surpassed this goal in 2010 by raising $3,814. He then set himself a goal of $4,000 for the 2011 campaign. Working hard to balance Chain Reaction with school commitments during his senior year at Oak Hall School in Gainesville, Tyler exceeded his goal and raised $4,367!

Not only did Tyler raise money individually, but he also led Chain Reaction in two of the council’s group fundraisers. One of those events, The Rattle Battle Wing Bowl was hugely successful due the leadership and hard work of Tyler and his co-chair. This annual chicken wing-eating contest raised approximately $7,000.

Chain Reaction provides high school students in Alachua County with a meaningful learning experience while helping the March of Dimes accomplish its mission to improve the health of babies. The local members represent five high schools from across the county, and go through a nomination, application, and interview process to be accepted onto this prestigious council.

Tyler and Chain Reaction members build a community of supporters in high schools by educating peers about the March of Dimes and healthy lifestyle choices. Way to go, Tyler!