Art Kimbrough to Chair March for Babies

9/18/08

Premier March of Dimes Fundraising Event
The March of Dimes Florida Chapter is pleased to announce that Art Kimbrough of Jackson County will serve as chair for March for Babies at Citizens Lodge. Formerly known as WalkAmerica, March for Babies is the March of Dimes premier fundraising event that benefits all babies—those born healthy as well as those who need help to survive and thrive.
"I’m proud to be part of a national movement to ensure that every baby has a healthy start in life," Art said. "Everyone can be a champion for baby health by signing up for March for Babies." Art continued. Originally from Panama City, Florida, Art is the Jackson County Chamber President and CEO. As a community leader in Jackson County, Art has served on many charitable boards and committees; Art has a diverse business background that includes experience as an educator, chief executive of a private college, senior executive of a large technology company, a professional speaker, author, consultant, and entrepreneur.
He and his wife Michele live in Marianna, where they are restoring a 112 year old historic home near downtown.
"The involvement of high profile local leaders across the nation is a key element in our goal of helping more babies come into the world healthy," said Michelle Robletto, President of the Big Bend Division Board of Directors. "We are fortunate to have someone so committed to our cause."
Premature birth touches half a million babies and their families every year including 15.5 percent of live births in Jackson County. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. More than 120,000 babies are born with serious birth defects that can mean a lifetime of disability. Babies born healthy need champions, too, to be sure they have access to newborn screening and preventive health care. The March of Dimes is there for all babies.
In Jackson County March for Babies will take place on September 20th at 9:00am at Citizens Lodge. Jackson County residents can sign up today to help fund lifesaving research and educational programs aimed at helping moms have healthy babies. Funds raised by March for Babies in Jackson County support Jackson County Storks Nest, New Born Screening, State Children’s Insurance Program (SCHIP) and Access to Health Care Coverage
"It’s easy to join me," said Mr. Kimbrough. "Just visit marchforbabies.org or call 1-850-422-3152 to sign up as an individual, start a corporate, family or friend’s team, or donate to help babies be born healthy."
In 2008, national March for Babies sponsors are CIGNA, Continental Airlines, Famous Footwear, Farmers, FedEx, Grain Foods Foundation, Liberty Tax Services, nesting.com, and Kmart, the March of Dimes number one corporate partner which has raised more than $63 million for babies. Additional national sponsorship is provided by Discovery Health, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Outdoor Services and Ther-Rx.
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. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.