Hundreds Join March for Babies in Bergen County

Approximately 1200 residents joined together in support of the smallest citizens of Bergen County — babies — by participating in the 2014 March for Babies to benefit the March of Dimes. Darlington Park, Mahwah was packed with strollers, families and corporate teams helping to try to achieve the New Jersey goal of $3.1 million to help babies be born healthy.

Special guests at the day’s events included Ramsey Mayor Christopher Botta, Bergen County 2014 March for Babies chair Dr. Kiran Bhat from Hackensack University Medical Center at Pascack Valley and Bergen County Ambassador Family Jennifer and Jason Porcelli.   Anthony Johnson from ABC7 Eyewitness News emceed the morning and Joann LaBounty, recipient of the 2013 March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Award (Neonatal category), had the honor of cutting the ribbon to start the walk. Bergen County 2015 March for Babies Chair Christopher Gomez also attended with his team from Visions Federal Credit Union.

There were numerous fun things to do – face painting, balloon art, a Gaga game, hoola hoops and flower pot planting.  A Mission Wall told the stories of those whose babies were helped by the March of Dimes. After the walk, babies’ names were read out loud in a ceremony to celebrate and remember Bergen County babies. Balloons were then released as a beautiful finish to the touching morning.

Money raised by the event funds research, education and local community grants for programs such as Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait and NICU Family Support.

“Thank you to all of our state-wide sponsors, walkers and volunteers who made the March for Babies event a success and who continue to support the efforts of the March of Dimes and its very important mission,” said Addy Bonet, State Director, March of Dimes, New Jersey chapter.

It is not too late to donate to March for Babies and help New Jersey reach its goal of $3.1 million.  Visit marchforbabies.org for more information.