It was the best feel-good moment of the week in Hazard Sunday afternoon when hundreds of walkers joined together in support of the smallest citizens of the Kentucky River Region by participating in March for Babies to benefit the March of Dimes. The Hazard Daniel Field was packed with strollers, families, and teams to celebrate raising $75,000 to help babies be born healthy.
Special guests at the day’s events included the 2013 Ambassador Families’, Jenna and Woodrow Hughes and their son, Aeden Hughes from Perry County, and Crystal and Justin Ritchie and their son, Jonah Hughes, from Knott County. These families know firsthand the power of the March for Babies walk.
“Their passion for the cause and commitment to helping our babies was a driving factor in the success of our event. We are grateful for their time and support,” said Shirlene Taylor, area coordinator for the March of Dimes.
“I am proud that Hazard and the surrounding counties joined the millions of compassionate people across the country that support the March for Babies every year,” said Emerson Combs, chair. “I know we can make a difference by giving hope to families. We can help give all babies the gift of a healthy start.”
Entertainment for the walk was provided by Brent Boothe/Boothe Entertainment who has faithfully supported the March of Babies for many years. The Kid’s Corner was provided by Wendy’s/Applebee’s/Hampton Inn. The children enjoyed face painting, games and sno-cones. Thanks to Skybounce, the children got to enjoy visiting with SpongeBob and Elmo. Everyone liked knowing they were making a difference for the moms and babies by helping to support important research and programs that help moms have full term pregnancies and babies to begin their lives healthy.
Peoples Bank & Trust Company expresses its sincere thanks to all members of the March for Babies Committee, all team participants who volunteered a great deal of time and effort, to all the businesses who donated their services, prizes and refreshments, and to all those who gave to such a worthy cause. A special thank you to Jenna and Woodrow Hughes and their son, Aeden Hughes, and Crystal and Justin Ritchie and their son, Jonah Hughes, the 2013 Ambassador families. Peoples Bank would also like to congratulate Team Arabella, the winner of the T-shirt contest.
Special thanks to the 2013 national March for Babies sponsors, K-Mart, Farmers Insurance Group, Macy’s, CIGNA, Famous Footwear, Sanofi Pasteur, United Airlines, Mission Pharmacal and Watson Pharmaceuticals.
The March of Dimes is the leading non-profit 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 by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org. Find the March of Dimes on Facebook and follow them on















