LOWER COLUMBIA MARCH OF DIMES RAISES $22,700

Approximately 150 Astoria residents joined together in support of the smallest members of the community--babies--by participating in the 2013 March for Babies to benefit March of Dimes.  Maritime Memorial Park was packed with strollers, families and corporate teams who raised $22,700 to help babies be born healthy.  Over half the money raised in the Astoria walk came from a single team: Team Marisa. Led by mission mom Tonya Houston, Team Marisa raised $11,916 for stronger, healthier babies. Throughout Oregon and SW Washington, 12 walks this year raised a total of $1,050,000.

"Thanks to everyone who came out in support of babies," said Tom Tongue, Shareholder at Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt and Greater Oregon March of Dimes Board Chair.  "We've made a difference in the lives of children and their families; and we're excited about what we've accomplished here today."

Money raised by March for Babies in Oregon and SW Washington funds prenatal wellness programs, research grants, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies.

--March for Babies National Facts--

More than seven million people take part in the event

Since 1970, March of Dimes has raised over $2 billion to benefit moms and babies

More then 900 communities take place in the walk across the country

This year, March of Dimes, the leading non-profit organization for maternal and infant health, celebrates its 75th anniversary and its ongoing work to help all babies get a healthy start in life. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.