Fayette to kick off WalkAmerica Feb. 8

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Fayette to kick off WalkAmerica Feb. 8

As the New Year begins, many Americans are striving to keep resolutions that include making a difference in the lives of others and being happier in their own. Scientific studies, cited in a Houston Chronicle article Jan. 10, have shown that one way to achieve happiness is to engage in altruistic acts such as volunteering in your community. Fortunately, the Georgia Chapter of the March of Dimes in Atlanta offers Atlantans ample opportunities to get involved, feel happier and more connected in society and to save the lives of Georgia's future: its babies.

The March of Dimes will host its annual Fayette County kickoff Tuesday, Feb. 8, for one of the city's largest springtime fundraising events, WalkAmerica. This event is scheduled for noon at the Dixie Wing hangar at Falcon Field in Peachtree City.

In order to encourage participation from those with limited time, the March of Dimes has designed the event to offer guests several timesaving tips on fundraising, including use of the Online Fundraising Tool, or OFT. With the ability to process credit cards online, OFT will allow volunteers to receive triple the amount of pledges than before. The more money raised, the greater the impact an individual can make. Last year more than 500 locals came together at the Insert Walksite WalkAmerica, raising a whopping $170,000.

"We know the sacrifices people make to spare a few extra hours out of their regularly busy schedules. That is why we make volunteering as easy and as fun as possible," explained Mark McClanahan, March of Dimes 2005 Fayette County WalkAmerica Chair. "In addition to information on timesaving and user-friendly tools now available, we will discuss how easy it is to get involved on your own or to form a team with your family, friends or co-workers."

To recognize individuals' efforts, specific incentives are offered through the 2005 WalkAmerica Rewards Program. These items range from T-Shirts to Gift Cards. Thus, the larger impact one makes the better incentives they earn. Attendees can also be among the first to enter to win a brand-new Volkswagen Beetle convertible. (The winner will be announced during a ceremony in June.)

Perhaps the most compelling reason to get involved with this year's WalkAmerica is its campaign focus, raising awareness and funds to fight premature births and birth defects. Many Americans are unaware that premature birth is the leading cause of death within the first month of a newborn's life. The state of Georgia has one of the highest premature birth rates in the country with more than 300 preterm babies born each week. In addition to struggling to survive outside of the womb, babies who are born prematurely are more susceptible to experiencing birth defects because their bodies haven't had a chance to grow.

Unfortunately, no one knows the cause of prematurity yet, so funds raised at WalkAmerica go towards finding the answer. Whether its education programs for soon-to-be mothers or funding research, the March of Dimes relies on citizens to help them carry out their mission.

Comprised of a 6K walk that winds its way in and out of the cart paths in Peachtree City, the Fayette County WalkAmerica will take place April 30. After meeting in Peachtree City at Shakerag Knoll, walkers and sponsors will be cheered on from the "Start" line and continuously greeted along the designated route. After finishing, walkers will be treated to a lunch prepared for them at the walk site. Don't miss your chance to be a part of something that will turn your new year into a happier, healthier one! Get involved with WalkAmerica, its well worth your time.

The country's oldest walking event, and the March of Dimes' largest fundraiser, WalkAmerica supports research and programs that help fight threats to the health of the 470,000 babies in the U.S. who are born too soon every year. Since its beginning 35 years ago, WalkAmerica has raised more than $1 billion to help give babies a fighting chance and takes place on the last weekend in April in nearly 1,500 locations across the nation. For more, visit www.walkamerica.org .