(November, 2008 Columbia, SC) –– In honor of the chain’s 40th anniversary, Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q (Sonny's) is launching Baby Backs for Babies, an inaugural cause-related effort to benefit the March of Dimes. Now thru December 14th, a portion of the proceeds from every baby back plate (in all participating locations across the Southeast) will benefit the March of Dimes and its work to help all babies be born healthy. Sonny's has committed to raise a minimum of $25,000. In South Carolina, participating locations are in Greenville and Rock Hill.

"March of Dimes is appreciative to once again have the support of Sonny's Real Pit B-B-Q during Prematurity Awareness Month," said Paula Howell, March of Dimes regional vice president. "Sonny's support will help the March of Dimes fund research and programs that impact families right in your own community and give all babies the chance to be born healthy."

"We are proud to support this cause that affects too many families across this country," added Bob Yarmuth, Chairman/CEO of Sonny's Franchise Company.

During November, Prematurity Awareness Month, the March of Dimes focuses the nation's attention on the impact premature birth has on babies and families and communities, such as in South Carolina where more than 173 babies are born too soon in an average week. Preterm birth is a serious and costly health problem and is the leading cause of death in the first month of life. One in every eight babies is born too soon each year in the United States, and the preterm birth rate has increased more than 20 percent since 1990. Preterm birth costs the nation more than $26 billion a year.

Sonny's has partnered with the March of Dimes on various community initiatives including participating in March for Babies, Signature Chefs, Mud Volleyball and more.

Floyd "Sonny" Tillman founded Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q in 1968 in Gainesville, Florida. Today, Sonny's has more than 125 restaurants with over 6,000 team members in nine southeastern states. To view a menu or to learn more about Sonny's Bar-B-Q, visit www.sonnysbbq.com.

Last year, the South Carolina March of Dimes chapter invested more than $4.2 million in program services, including research grants and local community services. Through these grants, the March of Dimes is seeking ways to prevent birth defects and infant death, reduce South Carolina's increasing premature birth rate, increase access to prenatal care and educate men and women about having healthy babies.

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.