Walk America set at three parks

The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies.
Three area parks will be sites for Walk America, a fund-raiser sponsored by the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation.
Proceeds from the event will go toward foundation programs of research, community service, advocacy and education to prevent birth defects and infant death. This year its focus is on preventing premature births.
Dates and sites of the events are:
U'April 29 at Packard Park, Warren. Registration will begin at noon, and the walk will start at 1 p.m. A post-walk celebration will take place about 2.
U'May 5 at Salem Centennial Park. Registration will start at 1 p.m. and the walk at 2. A celebration will follow around 2:30.
UMay 6 at Boardman Township Park. At 9 a.m. registration will get under way, and the walk will start at 10. The event will be followed by a post-walk celebration at 11:30.
Corporate teams, sponsors and area residents will participate in the event. Each walker who raises $100 will receive a T-shirt. Other items will be awarded for higher amounts. For information on prizes and incentives, call (800) BIG-WALK.
New addition: The event also will include a Field of Hope, where pennants with the name and/or birthday of the loved one being honored will be displayed. Four colors will be available. Pink and blue pennants will honor boys and girls born healthy, yellow will represent babies on the way, and white will be in memory of deceased infants. Pennants are available for $5 each. Contact the March of Dimes, (800) 843-1737, to order by Thursday.
National sponsors are COGNA Health Care, Kmart, Florida Orange Growers, Canon and the National Peanut Board. Lamar Advertising Co. and Key Bank are local sponsors.
For information call the March of Dimes, (330) 759-2411 or the above 800 number. Online information is available at www.modnohio.org.