In an unprecedented cooperative effort, Fun 101.1 FM will join with Fayetteville Dwarf House, Newnan Dwarf House, Chick-fil-A Thomas Crossroads, Truett’s Grill in Griffin, and Truett’s Grill in McDonough in the 1st Annual Southern Crescent Broadcasters for Babies event to benefit the March of Dimes Georgia Chapter.
On Aug. 6 from 5-9 p.m., Fun 101.1 FM will broadcast live from Truett’s Grill in Griffin and host call-ins from the additional four locations encouraging customers to help fund March of Dimes research and programs aimed at preventing prematurity, birth defects and infant mortality.
Customers will have the opportunity to learn about the about the mission of the March of Dimes and it’s history while having a chance to meet local Ambassador Families and volunteers.
The on-air radio campaign officially kicked off on July 30 with public service announcements and moving vignettes of real families sharing their stories of miraculous outcomes and, for some, of unexpected heartbreak. Listeners and customers can participate by donating online at marchofdimes.com/Georgia or contributing onsite at any of the participating Chick-fil-A or Truett’s Grill.
“The March of Dimes work touches nearly every person in our community, and Fun 101.1 FM is proud to support its vision that one day all babies will be born healthy,” says Carl Preutt, Sales Manager, Fun 101.1 FM.
Fun 101.1 FM has donated nearly $1 million in on-air time and promotional support to the March of Dimes, and five Chick-fil-A and Truett’s Grill locations are opening their doors as fundraising sites for this important cause.
March of Dimes has a history with the radio industry, dating back to 1938 when radio personality Eddie Cantor first coined the term “March of Dimes,” playing on the popular newsreel feature “The March of Time.” Cantor appealed to radio listeners all over the country to send their dimes directly to the White House to help fund a cure for infantile paralysis also known as polio. The campaign proved successful in wiping out the debilitating disease, and a great partnership was born.
Today prematurity and birth defects are the leading cause of newborn death in the United States with more than 500,000 babies born too soon or sick – that’s an average of 403 babies each week in Georgia. Despite decades of research, scientists have not yet developed effective ways to help prevent preterm birth and the rate has increased more than 30 percent since 1981. Babies who survive a premature birth face an increased risk of death and serious medical complications such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation and learning problems, chronic lung disease, along with vision and hearing problems.
The March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com/georgia.
