Greenville, South Carolina, July 02, 2012 —

The March of Dimes South Carolina Chapter honored top performing companies and volunteers on June 6^th, 2012 at an awards luncheon held at Greenville Hospital System. Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes addressed guests at the luncheon.

 “It was an honor to be in South Carolina to recognize these top donors and supporters. Thanks to the outstanding efforts of our volunteers, the March of Dimes is making measurable headway with our nation’s preterm birth rate dropping for three consecutive years to 12.2%. We will continue working together for stronger healthier babies,” said Dr. Howse.

 Publix Super Markets, Inc. received the Pinnacle Award for raising more than $300,000 in South Carolina. Across the U.S., Publix raised more than $4 million dollars, and ranks as the number one March for Babies team. Kmart received the next highest award and is projecting to raise $165,000 in South Carolina when their campaign concludes later this month. Kmart raised more than $100 million for the March of Dimes over the last 29 years, which marks one of the most significant fundraising achievements by a company for a singular cause.

 Additional companies that were honored include:

Kraft Foods, Nutra Manufacturing, Southeastern Paper, Horry County Schools, SYNNEX, SunTrust Banks, Inc., The Spinx Company, The Robert Bosch Company, Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center, Electrolux, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, Milliken, and Michelin North America.

Mona Carter, State Director of the March of Dimes South Carolina Chapter said, “This event gave us an opportunity to recognize and thank our corporate and volunteer leaders who have achieved outstanding results in their fundraising campaigns. Their time, talents and generosity have helped the March of Dimes continue working for healthier babies in communities across our state.”

 Each year, the South Carolina Chapter of the March of Dimes invests in mission initiatives statewide, including research grants and local community services. Through these program services, the March of Dimes continues working to prevent birth defects and infant death, reduce South Carolina’s premature birth rate, increase access to prenatal care and educate healthcare providers and women about having healthy babies.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, 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/southcarolina.  Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, national president of the March of Dimes (left) with Mark Pittman, Regional Vice President, Publix Super Markets, Inc. and associates, and Mona Carter, (far right) March of Dimes State Director, South Carolina Chapter. Publix Supermarkets, Inc. received the Top Fundraising Award for March for Babies 2012 in South Carolina.

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