Baton Rouge March of Dimes is pleased to announce that Teri Fontenot, President and CEO of Woman’s Hospital, has taken on the role of Baton Rouge March for Babies chair. Woman’s is the largest birthing hospital in Louisiana.
March for Babies is the largest annual fundraising event for the March of Dimes, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. More than four million babies are born in the United States each year, and the March of Dimes has helped each and every one of them through research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs.
As March for Babies chair, Fontenot will play an integral role in raising awareness and funds to advance the scientific research and educational programs at the core of the March of Dimes efforts to prevent preterm birth and birth defects.
“It is an honor to serve as the 2013 chair of the March of Dimes March for Babies. Woman’s Hospital’s focus is on creating and supporting healthy babies and their families, and the March of Dimes has been an important partner for years as we work to achieve our mission,” Fontenot said. “Joining with our community to ensure that infants have the healthiest start possible is vital to our success.”
Last year, the Baton Rouge March for Babies raised $237,000. Fontenot has made the commitment to raise $85,000 in new revenue as part of the 2013 March for Babies total goal of $335,000.
“I couldn’t be happier having Teri serve as the Baton Rouge March for Babies chair,” said Frankie Robertson State Director for the Louisiana March of Dimes Chapter. “I am sure that Teri will bring the same drive, dedication and passion that made her a well-respected member of the community to her efforts on behalf of March for Babies. I know her contribution will go a long way to making this year’s event an unqualified success.”
Capital Area residents and those from surrounding areas can register today at www.marchforbabies.org and start a team with co-workers, family and friends. Last year, more than 2,000 people attended the event, which will be held this year on April 27 at AZ Young Park in downtown Baton Rouge.
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 by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com, nacersano.org, Facebook and Twitter.
The March for Babies is sponsored nationally by Kmart, Farmers, Macy’s, Cigna, Sanofi Pasteur, Famous Footwear, Watson Pharmaceuticals, Mission Pharmacal and United Airlines. Local sponsors include Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, Statewide Sponsor; Woman’s Hospital, Presenting Sponsor; and Infamedics, Division Sponsor.