Thank you to all who participated in this year's March for Babies! The event was an amazing success. We had beautiful weather, energized walkers and a lot of generous donations. The venue was probably the best to date and much appreciation goes out to the many volunteers.
Be sure to check out and join our Facebook page if you haven't already...the next march will come around sooner than you think and this blog and the Facebook page will update you with information as it becomes available.
Thanks and see you next year!!
p.s. if you have any pictures of your team at the march be sure to add them on the facebook page!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
This Saturday...
A few things to remember for Saturday:
-The walk is located at This Is the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake. The address is 2601 Sunnyside Ave. Look for balloons and signs and there should be plenty of parking.
-Everyone on your team will need a wristband to enter. Either the Team Captain should grab enough wristbands for everyone on the team and meet them outside of the gates or team members will have to stand in the registration line and say what team they are on to receive a wristband. If you do not use all of your wristbands please return them to the registration area. We are using these to get an accurate count of participants.
-After the walk will be a raffle so make sure your team members enter before the walk.
-There will be an area for team photos so whether you're a team of 1 or 100 - take a pic!
-If you are walking but never received a poster to make for Ambassador Avenue contact the March of Dimes office in Salt Lake 801-746-5540 to schedule a time to pick up a blank poster.
-The walk is located at This Is the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake. The address is 2601 Sunnyside Ave. Look for balloons and signs and there should be plenty of parking.
-Everyone on your team will need a wristband to enter. Either the Team Captain should grab enough wristbands for everyone on the team and meet them outside of the gates or team members will have to stand in the registration line and say what team they are on to receive a wristband. If you do not use all of your wristbands please return them to the registration area. We are using these to get an accurate count of participants.
-After the walk will be a raffle so make sure your team members enter before the walk.
-There will be an area for team photos so whether you're a team of 1 or 100 - take a pic!
-If you are walking but never received a poster to make for Ambassador Avenue contact the March of Dimes office in Salt Lake 801-746-5540 to schedule a time to pick up a blank poster.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Team Spotlight: 1 2 3 Triplets are We
What is your team name?
Our team name is 1 2 3 Triplets are We
How many years have you participated in march for babies?
This will be our third year participating with March for Babies
Approximately how many team members have you had?
This is actually our first year as our own team. The previous two years we were on the NICU team from the hospital our babies were in. So we are very excited to get people recruited for our own team!
What was your reason for first participating?
Our reason for participating is for our triplets. They were born at 24 weeks gestation and all are alive and healthy today. They all needed life saving procedures, some of which were sponsored by the March of Dimes. Without March of Dimes funding these advancements in technology, I don't think we would have our babies with us. We give a lot of credit to March of Dimes and we love that we can help them to help other families have the same positive ending that we did. Or better yet, not have to go through that experience at all!
What is your best memory of a march?
Our 1st march was our favorite. We were fresh out of the NICU, we actually still had one in the NICU, so we really had no idea what to expect. Our favorite part were the Ambassador Avenue posters. Seeing every ones stories showed us again how lucky we were to have healthy babies, and it was also uplifting to see that others had happy endings too. It was nice knowing that we weren't alone in our experience and that people are trying so hard to prevent others from experiencing what we and others went through.
Did you fund raise for your team? Any tips or advice for fundraising?
I put a badge on our family blog and have gotten a great response from that in previous years. This year since we have our own team I'm trying to be a bit more "aggressive". Sending out e-mails and putting up fliers at my dentist office and other members of my family's workplaces. We hope to get a good response from that. Wish us luck!
How have you felt after participating?
We always feel so good after participating. We really feel like we do a great thing by raising money for something we personally benefited from.
Any advice or additional comments for other family teams?
Just be so proud that you are helping such a great cause. March of Dimes is a great organization and anything any of us can do to help them serves such a great purpose!
Team 1 2 3 Triplets are We
Submitted by team captain Brooke
(we had some tech problems with Brooke's cute pictures of her kids but just look for three darlings in a triple stroller at the walk and say hi!)
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Still time...
to register (see here)
to fundraise (see below)
to make your poster for Ambassador Avenue (email or leave a comment to find out how)
and to help babies in the Salt Lake March for Babies!
A few last minute ideas to help your team meet your fundraising goal...
Yard Sale! We know of one family team who hosted a yard sale this weekend and raised over $200. for their team. A great way to do some spring cleaning and easily make some money to go towards your team.
Bake Sale! Ask a few friends and family who make yummy baked goods to donate their specialties and time and host a bake sale. All you need is a little advertising (facebook, blog, email, posters), tasty treats and an hour or so in the evening when neighbors are out taking a stroll or on a Saturday when even more people are out.
Pot luck! If you have lunch or dinner plans with family, friends or other couples in the next few weeks propose the idea that everyone meet and bring a dish to share along with $5.-$10. to go towards your team goal. Even with the donation everyone will still probably spend less money than going out and since you'll be home - have fun playing a game afterwards. For a few dollars in your March for Babies account make things interesting with some small wagers.
Up the ante! The march is less than three weeks away - do you only see a big zero on your progress bar? If so it may be time to up the ante. Put up your own money - maybe $20. and purchase a gift certificate to a restaurant, Target or movie tickets. Get the word out via facebook, blogs, emails, etc. that for every $5. donation to your team that donor will be put in a drawing for the gift certificate. Sometimes people are more willing to donate if they have the chance of getting something back.
It's almost time to March so get creative and reach that goal!
p.s. Be sure to tune into Good Things Utah tomorrow on KTVX Channel 4 at 10:00am. Our Utah Ambassador Family and Family Team Committee member Shauna Cundick will be on the show discussing our march! Good luck Shauna!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Team Spotlight: Team Sydney and Friends - Our Utah Ambassador Family!!!
What is your team name?
Team Sydney and Friends.
Team Sydney and Friends.
How many years have you participated in march for babies?
This will be our 3rd year. We walked in 2008 (Salt Lake) and 2009 (Salt Lake with family and friends and in Utah County with family and co-workers).
This will be our 3rd year. We walked in 2008 (Salt Lake) and 2009 (Salt Lake with family and friends and in Utah County with family and co-workers).
Approximately how many team members have you had?
We had 20 on our team the first year (10 adults and 10 kids). At first we just thought it would be me, my husband, and my baby, but then some of our friends and family heard we were walking and they wanted to join us. I didn't realize that others would want to come, so I'd suggest to other teams to tell everyone because you never know who will want to join you. Everyone who came had a great time and most joined us the next year. In 2009 we had 26 on our team for the Salt Lake walk and 16 on our team for the Utah County walk.
We had 20 on our team the first year (10 adults and 10 kids). At first we just thought it would be me, my husband, and my baby, but then some of our friends and family heard we were walking and they wanted to join us. I didn't realize that others would want to come, so I'd suggest to other teams to tell everyone because you never know who will want to join you. Everyone who came had a great time and most joined us the next year. In 2009 we had 26 on our team for the Salt Lake walk and 16 on our team for the Utah County walk.
What was your reason for first participating?
In 2008 my husband wanted to walk because he is employed for one of the sponsors. At first I though he'd just do it alone, but then I thought about it and decided to join him since we had a preemie in 2007 and she benefited from the March of Dimes' research.
What is your best memory of a march?
Every March for Babies is a great memory for us. It is a time that we get together with friends and family and support a great cause, all while having fun and getting exercise. We've also been able to visit with some of the people (nurses and OTs) that helped take care of or baby while she was in the hospital.
Did you fundraise for your team? Any tips or advice for fundraising?
We do fundraise. The first year I was hesitant to do so (I hate asking for money), but then when people heard we were walking they just offered. I have had the most success just by letting friends and family know that we are participating and by telling them they are welcome to join us or donate if they would like to. I send out a personal email to them and link to our team fundraising page and most of my donations are done online. I also host a card making class at my house where I donate the supplies and people donate $1 per card to our walk.
How have you felt after participating?
We feel great that we've done something to help other babies and to give back to the March of Dimes. All of our team members have a lot of fun at the walk and we get excited to do it all again the next year.
Any advice or additional comments for other family teams?
My advice is to sign up and then spread the word. Just let people know that you are participating and why, and you may be surprised at who wants to join you or donate to your walk. This is a fun family activity that supports a great cause. I'd also suggest that you make a poster. We didn't know about the posters our first year and our friends and family asked where ours was.
My advice is to sign up and then spread the word. Just let people know that you are participating and why, and you may be surprised at who wants to join you or donate to your walk. This is a fun family activity that supports a great cause. I'd also suggest that you make a poster. We didn't know about the posters our first year and our friends and family asked where ours was.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Fundraising Facts
So we're just over one month away to our big march! How is fundraising going so far? Close to your goal? Met your goal? Time to bump up your goal? Well if 'not quite yet' is your response then take a look at some of these fundraising tips that can be successful for family teams.
Lucky 7 – 7 Easy Ways to Raise $200
Raise $200 and give all babies a fighting chance! Here’s how:
1. Ask 2 friends for $25 $50.00
2. Collect 200 dimes, 2 times $40.00
3. Donate $20 to your team $20.00
4. Ask 3 co-workers for $10 $30.00
5. Ask 1 neighbor, 1 family member, and your doctor for $10 $30.00
6. Ask 1 local merchant for $15 $15.00
7. Ask your hairstylist for $15 $15.00
TOTAL RAISED: $200.00
Fundraising Ideas
for Family Teams
Online Fundraising Tool: If you register online, you’ll be set up to use this tool. Send your fundraising page out to family and friends to encourage donations.
E-mail tags, Widgets, and Banners: Can be obtained from your own fundraising page or at www.marchforbabies.org/spread_the_word.aspx
Supplies from the Local March of Dimes Office: Paper Cutouts can be sold for $1 or more at stores, offices, libraries, etc.; Collection Buckets can be placed around the community (pediatrician, dentist, local stores, etc.); Plushland animals can be purchased at cost and sold for at least double to raise money for your team
Employer Matching: Check with your or your family members’ employer to see if they match donations to charity
Garage Sale: Collect old items around your home and ask for friends and family to donate items too. Pool them together and have a garage sale with all proceeds going to your family team.
E-bay Auction: Set up an e-bay auction page to sell items, with all proceeds to be donated to your team.
Bake Sale: Sell some homemade baked treats (made by you or others) or even something yummy like Krispy Kreme donuts. Sell them at work, your child’s school, or hold your own local sale.
Host a Wii Competition (or other video gaming system): Charge an entry fee to participate in a friendly competition of Guitar Hero, or other favorite game between friends and family.
Sell Healthy Snacks at Work: Place some fruit and other healthy snacks in the break room (next to the vending machine) at work along with a donation bucket. Let employees partake of the snacks for a donation rather than using the vending machine. (To earn even more money, find someone to donate the snacks.)
Vending Machine Money: Set up a coin collection canister right next to the vending machines at work. Place a sign nearby asking people to donate the change they get back from the machine.
Fundraising Card Game Night: Invite friends and family over for a fun card game night. Charge a fee to play or use real money while playing. All proceeds go to your family team. Don’t forget to provide the snacks!
Birthday and Celebration Donations: Ask friends and family for donations to your team in lieu of birthday or other special occasion gifts.
Blue Jeans for Babies: With management approval, sell tickets or stickers to allow employees to wear blue jeans or casual attire to work on designated days.
Aluminum Cans: Keep your aluminum cans throughout the year. Place aluminum can only containers in your break room. Take them to be recycled and donate the money to your team.
Bowling Party: Invite friends and family to a local bowling alley for a friendly competition. Charge an entry fee to compete. Would also be great at a miniature golf course. Ask local alleys if they’d be willing to donate a few lanes to your cause in order to increase your proceeds.
Get Your Kids Involved: Obtain some coin boxes from the local March of Dimes Office. With the permission of the school principal, have the children take the boxes and collect coins for a set period of time. The school could also work together to create a “Mile of Dimes” (a line of dimes that reach 1 mile long).
Pie in the Face: Find 5 volunteers (managers, public officials, student body officers, etc.). Give them each a money collection container. Give them a set amount of time to collect money. At the end of the time period, the person with the least amount of money gets a pie in their face.
Plan a Party: Have an event to let your family and friends get together to celebrate your team. Fundraising party ideas: have a silent auction with items you have access to or get donated from family and friends; sell tickets to guess how many “somethings” are in a large see-through container (have a small donated prize for the winner); sell plastic Easter eggs filled with candy and the potential to win a fantastic prize (ex. Coupons/prizes donated by businesses); sell raffle tickets for items donated to your team/event.
Sell a Meal: Host a meal and charge a few dollars (or enough to make profit over your cost) for people to enjoy it. Even better, make it a pot luck meal or have the supplies donated. Fun examples: Lumberjack Breakfast, Chili Cook-off, etc.
Ice Cream Sundaes: Purchase toppings and ice cream (or have them donated). Charge employees or others a set amount to go through and make their favorite ice cream sundaes. A root beer float would be simple and easy too.
Reverse Raffle: Give a free ticket to everyone attending a meeting or special event. Tell them they are automatically included in the drawing for a special prize. The prize should be something the winner has to do during the event, such as singing a song, doing a dance, wearing a costume or funny hat, having their face painted, etc. If they don’t want to be eligible for the prize, they can “sell” their ticket back for a set amount.
Crafts/Gift Baskets: Sell your own creations and have all the proceeds benefit your team. Ideas? Put together gift baskets people can buy as gifts for loved ones; make some crafty items, such as hair clips, crocheted items, handmade cards, whatever it is you do.
Hold an Open House: Contact your local independent sales consultants to see about gathering together in one location for all proceeds to benefit your family team. Examples: Tupperware, Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Avon, Lia Sophia Jewelry, a scrapbooking company, Miche bags, and many, many more.
for Family Teams
Online Fundraising Tool: If you register online, you’ll be set up to use this tool. Send your fundraising page out to family and friends to encourage donations.
E-mail tags, Widgets, and Banners: Can be obtained from your own fundraising page or at www.marchforbabies.org/spread_the_word.aspx
Supplies from the Local March of Dimes Office: Paper Cutouts can be sold for $1 or more at stores, offices, libraries, etc.; Collection Buckets can be placed around the community (pediatrician, dentist, local stores, etc.); Plushland animals can be purchased at cost and sold for at least double to raise money for your team
Employer Matching: Check with your or your family members’ employer to see if they match donations to charity
Garage Sale: Collect old items around your home and ask for friends and family to donate items too. Pool them together and have a garage sale with all proceeds going to your family team.
E-bay Auction: Set up an e-bay auction page to sell items, with all proceeds to be donated to your team.
Bake Sale: Sell some homemade baked treats (made by you or others) or even something yummy like Krispy Kreme donuts. Sell them at work, your child’s school, or hold your own local sale.
Host a Wii Competition (or other video gaming system): Charge an entry fee to participate in a friendly competition of Guitar Hero, or other favorite game between friends and family.
Sell Healthy Snacks at Work: Place some fruit and other healthy snacks in the break room (next to the vending machine) at work along with a donation bucket. Let employees partake of the snacks for a donation rather than using the vending machine. (To earn even more money, find someone to donate the snacks.)
Vending Machine Money: Set up a coin collection canister right next to the vending machines at work. Place a sign nearby asking people to donate the change they get back from the machine.
Fundraising Card Game Night: Invite friends and family over for a fun card game night. Charge a fee to play or use real money while playing. All proceeds go to your family team. Don’t forget to provide the snacks!
Birthday and Celebration Donations: Ask friends and family for donations to your team in lieu of birthday or other special occasion gifts.
Blue Jeans for Babies: With management approval, sell tickets or stickers to allow employees to wear blue jeans or casual attire to work on designated days.
Aluminum Cans: Keep your aluminum cans throughout the year. Place aluminum can only containers in your break room. Take them to be recycled and donate the money to your team.
Bowling Party: Invite friends and family to a local bowling alley for a friendly competition. Charge an entry fee to compete. Would also be great at a miniature golf course. Ask local alleys if they’d be willing to donate a few lanes to your cause in order to increase your proceeds.
Get Your Kids Involved: Obtain some coin boxes from the local March of Dimes Office. With the permission of the school principal, have the children take the boxes and collect coins for a set period of time. The school could also work together to create a “Mile of Dimes” (a line of dimes that reach 1 mile long).
Pie in the Face: Find 5 volunteers (managers, public officials, student body officers, etc.). Give them each a money collection container. Give them a set amount of time to collect money. At the end of the time period, the person with the least amount of money gets a pie in their face.
Plan a Party: Have an event to let your family and friends get together to celebrate your team. Fundraising party ideas: have a silent auction with items you have access to or get donated from family and friends; sell tickets to guess how many “somethings” are in a large see-through container (have a small donated prize for the winner); sell plastic Easter eggs filled with candy and the potential to win a fantastic prize (ex. Coupons/prizes donated by businesses); sell raffle tickets for items donated to your team/event.
Sell a Meal: Host a meal and charge a few dollars (or enough to make profit over your cost) for people to enjoy it. Even better, make it a pot luck meal or have the supplies donated. Fun examples: Lumberjack Breakfast, Chili Cook-off, etc.
Ice Cream Sundaes: Purchase toppings and ice cream (or have them donated). Charge employees or others a set amount to go through and make their favorite ice cream sundaes. A root beer float would be simple and easy too.
Reverse Raffle: Give a free ticket to everyone attending a meeting or special event. Tell them they are automatically included in the drawing for a special prize. The prize should be something the winner has to do during the event, such as singing a song, doing a dance, wearing a costume or funny hat, having their face painted, etc. If they don’t want to be eligible for the prize, they can “sell” their ticket back for a set amount.
Crafts/Gift Baskets: Sell your own creations and have all the proceeds benefit your team. Ideas? Put together gift baskets people can buy as gifts for loved ones; make some crafty items, such as hair clips, crocheted items, handmade cards, whatever it is you do.
Hold an Open House: Contact your local independent sales consultants to see about gathering together in one location for all proceeds to benefit your family team. Examples: Tupperware, Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Avon, Lia Sophia Jewelry, a scrapbooking company, Miche bags, and many, many more.
Lucky 7 – 7 Easy Ways to Raise $200
Raise $200 and give all babies a fighting chance! Here’s how:
1. Ask 2 friends for $25 $50.00
2. Collect 200 dimes, 2 times $40.00
3. Donate $20 to your team $20.00
4. Ask 3 co-workers for $10 $30.00
5. Ask 1 neighbor, 1 family member, and your doctor for $10 $30.00
6. Ask 1 local merchant for $15 $15.00
7. Ask your hairstylist for $15 $15.00
TOTAL RAISED: $200.00
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Rally - take two!
A few weeks ago we had our first rally of the season to gear up for the march. If you couldn't make that family team rally or if you'd like to make a second showing (and grab some free dinner) then you should plan to attend rally no. 2!The family teams rally is an event to meet other participants in the march, watch the new March for Babies video, receive supplies to help your fundraising and most importantly get motivated for our march!
The Salt Lake family team committee will be there to answer any questions you may have andhelp you feel prepared for the march - which is NEXT month!
Supplies will be available to get started on your poster for Ambassador Avenue -
this is really a must have and will be presented along the march route
for others to see your reasons for participating.
So...what a better way to spend a Thursday night than to come and meet
Supplies will be available to get started on your poster for Ambassador Avenue -this is really a must have and will be presented along the march route
for others to see your reasons for participating.
So...what a better way to spend a Thursday night than to come and meet other family teams, enjoy FREE dinner and ready yourself for the walk!
Details:
Thursday April 8 - 6:00-8:00 pm
(open house style - stay for the full event or pop in for a minute!)
This Is The Place Heritage Park
2601 East Sunnyside Ave
Salt Lake City, UT
Pizza will be served
Poster boards available for Ambassador Avenue
Fundraising Supplies
See you there!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Walking Shoes Ready?!
We're just over 6 weeks away from the Salt Lake March for Babies event! Are you ready? Are your shoes ready?! If not, you need to pick up a pair that supports the March for Babies event! Famous Footwear is a national sponsor of the March of Dimes and specifically the March for Babies event. Every year they debut the "official" shoe of the march and this year it is a Dr. Scholl's Inferno 2! 
You can pick this shoe up at most Famous Footwear locations or online. For every pair sold Famous Footwear will donate $5 to the March of Dimes. So if it's time for new sneakers - these should be great to sport at the walk! Click HERE to learn more.
You can pick this shoe up at most Famous Footwear locations or online. For every pair sold Famous Footwear will donate $5 to the March of Dimes. So if it's time for new sneakers - these should be great to sport at the walk! Click HERE to learn more.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Rally!
Happy St. Patrick's Day
There are only 59 days until the Salt Lake March for Babies! Everyday we are seeing more people register, new facebook fans and banners on blogs! This is a great way to spread the word of the march and if you haven't already please click HERE to be directed to the March for Babies website and use the tools on your fb page, blog and email signature. Near the bottom of this page is a new tool - Team Badges! These are badges you can put on your blog or make it your profile picture/avatar on facebook. Please let the members on your teams know about these tools to spread the word.
This Saturday we are having our first family team rally! The rally is a great event to get excited and prepared for the march. You will have an opportunity to watch the new March for Babies video, get supplies (posters, change buckets, registration forms, etc.), get your poster board for Ambassador Avenue and meet other members of family teams! This is a family friendly event and we will have some things to keep little ones entertained. The rally is open house style so stay for the full two hours and work on your poster (bring pictures if you'd like) or stop in for 5 minutes to grab some supplies.
Even if you haven't yet registered for the march please come to the rally and get some more information and then run home and register!
See you Saturday!
The rally is located at The Gathering Place at Gardner Village
1100 West 7800 South
West Jordan, UT
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Team Spotlight: Mills Miracle Munchkins
What is your team name?
Mills Miracle Munchkins
How many years have you participated in march for babies?
2010 will be our 4th year
Mills Miracle Munchkins
How many years have you participated in march for babies?
2010 will be our 4th year
Approximately how many team members have you had?
Usually around 10-15 people
What was your reason for first participating?
We felt that participating in the March for Babies was something we could do to possibly help others avoid a situation like ours. It was the only thing we could find to do in a situation where we felt so helpless.
What is your best memory of a march?
We think it's neat when we get to tell our story... Our first March was at Wheeler Farm. Along the walk, there were a lot of stops along the way and we were interviewed by Synagis. Our next year, we had stopped to look at our poster on Ambassador Avenue and a newspaper reporter was curious about our preemies. Our little boy's picture ended up in the Deseret News. Kind of fun to share our reason for being there.
Did you fundraise for your team? Any tips or advice for fundraising?
In the past we've just used the online fundraising tool. We sent out an e-mail with a link to our team's website. The website has our story and a slideshow documenting our journey and telling about why we support the March of Dimes. This year, I've been selling some flower hair clips to earn money for the team. I'm also considering selling Plushland or using collection buckets at our doctor's and dentist's offices.
How have you felt after participating?
We always feel great after participating. We feel like the March of Dimes gives hope to families like ours and has done a lot of good for many babies. It's the least we can do considering the help they provided to our babies.
Team Mills Miracle Munchkins
Submitted by team captain Jenalyn
Submitted by team captain Jenalyn
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
It's March...time to get ready to March!
It's March 2nd and before you know it you'll be tying your laces to walk in the Salt Lake March for Babies walk! Spring is just around the corner so now is the time to REGISTER your team, RECRUIT walkers to join you and start FUNDRAISING for BABIES!
Yesterday the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange was rung by March of Dimes celebrity spokesperson Sherri Shepherd of The View. Sherri Shepherd has a son who was born three months prematurely and she's been an advocate and spokesperson for the March of Dimes ever since. This ringing of the bell was the official kick off to this year's March for Babies in over 900 communities in the U.S. To read more click here.
Also in the news is one of March for Babies biggest sponsors, Kmart. Over the past 26 years Kmart has raised $79 million dollars for the March of Dimes. Last year they raised over $8 million dollars! This is an amazing amount of money and if you are looking to support a company that supports the cause of the March of Dimes head to Kmart! Now through May 31st you can make a donation at any store cash register for $1., $5., or $10.
So the rest of the country is getting ready for the march, are you?! If you haven't yet please register and spread the word that you are walking through the many tools provided through the March for Babies website. We have just over 2 months before the march so you want plenty of time to fundraise and get the word out!
Yesterday the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange was rung by March of Dimes celebrity spokesperson Sherri Shepherd of The View. Sherri Shepherd has a son who was born three months prematurely and she's been an advocate and spokesperson for the March of Dimes ever since. This ringing of the bell was the official kick off to this year's March for Babies in over 900 communities in the U.S. To read more click here.
Also in the news is one of March for Babies biggest sponsors, Kmart. Over the past 26 years Kmart has raised $79 million dollars for the March of Dimes. Last year they raised over $8 million dollars! This is an amazing amount of money and if you are looking to support a company that supports the cause of the March of Dimes head to Kmart! Now through May 31st you can make a donation at any store cash register for $1., $5., or $10.
So the rest of the country is getting ready for the march, are you?! If you haven't yet please register and spread the word that you are walking through the many tools provided through the March for Babies website. We have just over 2 months before the march so you want plenty of time to fundraise and get the word out!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Team Spotlight: Sweet Baboos
What is your team name?
Sweet Baboos
How many years have you participated in march for babies?
Two
Approximately how many team members have you had?
16 - but we hope to grow even bigger this year!
What was your reason for first participating?
To remember six babies that we lost, and celebrate two full-term, healthy baby girls!
What is your best memory of a march?
I love seeing everyone come together. There seems to be automatic bonding between teams. Although this may sound strange, I loved marching through the downpour in Davis County last year - getting drenched together and then huddling up under the bowery - you could just feel an energy and a connection with all of the teams involved.
Did you fundraise for your team? Any tips or advice for fundraising?
Emailing is definitely the most simple and effective way for me to fundraise - but i would not recommend sending out emails directly from the March for Babies website (as I've had problems with it), instead send out a personalized email and include a link to your March for Babies team page. Make sure to have pictures on your page for everyone to see. I also think plushland can be a great fundraiser if you find a great venue for selling them. Utilizing multiple ways of fundraising will get the best turn-out. Send out emails, call your friends, ask a local store to collect funds for your team, and participate in something like plushland or a car wash, etc.
How have you felt after participating?
The feeling is incredible. Where else to do you get to help ALL babies who are born in the U.S. while also doing something that is so much fun with your family. There is a great spirit about March for Babies!
Any advice or additional comments for other family teams?
Don't wait for the last minute to get ready for this walk. Fundraising is not an easy task, and believe me, you will feel so much better as a team if you know you put your all into it. Even if you don't have a lot of time to give, start fundraising in January or as soon as you register. Time goes by far too fast and before you know it the walk will be here and your goal is unreached. Just have fun with the fundraising and spreading the word about the walk - the more energy you put into even the smallest amount of time you can give the more positive results you will see. Keep your focus on the reason you are walking: maybe you had a preemie, lost a child, your celebrating a healthy baby, or maybe you are walking for babies around the world. Think about those babies and how important we are to touching their lives and giving ALL babies a healthy start.
Team Sweet Baboos
Submitted by team captain JaNae
Thursday, February 4, 2010
100 days!!
That's right - just 100 days to go until the Salt Lake March for Babies! The countdown is on now and it's time to start thinking of ways to reach out and spread the word of your participation. Here are a few things to consider doing to "spread the word".
- Send an email...to everyone! Share your reasons for participating in the march - mention that every little bit helps - direct readers to your personal web link - thank them in advance for their donation.
-Facebook! Okay, so Facebook has more benefits that just spying on old crushes. You can use this site that so many people access everyday as a fundraising tool. There is a Facebook badge you can add to your profile page. You also access this badge on the the MFB website. On your personal page click on the graphic that reads "get a custom widget" this shows you how to install the Facebook application. Once you've added it do a status update about the march. If you have 50 Facebook friends and 1/2 of them donated $5. you have raised $125. Hey, we're on Facebook too so if you haven't joined our page click on the link and do it!
-Signature line...One more tool is to add an email signature badge. This badge will show up at the bottom of every email you send out. So after you initial blast email to everyone asking for their support of you in the march they will be reminded again and again each time you email them. But it won't be annoying because it's a cute little graphic silently reminding them!
-Talk about yourself! Not really, but at work, church, family gatherings find a way to bring up your involvement in the march. Invite them to join your team and if they are not interested let them know they can still support you by a donation. If it's too awkward to bring up out of the blue just mention how your legs are aching because of all of your training for the march! Really, most people want to donate and if they can (and they know that ANY amount counts) they will. If they won't or can't then they won't - no big deal.
- Send an email...to everyone! Share your reasons for participating in the march - mention that every little bit helps - direct readers to your personal web link - thank them in advance for their donation.
- Blog all about it! A lot of people have blogs and if you do a great way to advertise your participation is by adding a March for Babies "badge" on your blog. On the March for Babies website you can log into your page and click on the header "spread the word" this page will show you the different badges and tools you can use along with step by step instructions. It is great to do a blog post about your participation in the march and then direct them to you sidebar to see your badge. This badge will remain until you remove it - along with your progress bar (if you wish to have that shown). Every time some visits your blog this badge will appear and remind them to donate.
-Facebook! Okay, so Facebook has more benefits that just spying on old crushes. You can use this site that so many people access everyday as a fundraising tool. There is a Facebook badge you can add to your profile page. You also access this badge on the the MFB website. On your personal page click on the graphic that reads "get a custom widget" this shows you how to install the Facebook application. Once you've added it do a status update about the march. If you have 50 Facebook friends and 1/2 of them donated $5. you have raised $125. Hey, we're on Facebook too so if you haven't joined our page click on the link and do it!
-Signature line...One more tool is to add an email signature badge. This badge will show up at the bottom of every email you send out. So after you initial blast email to everyone asking for their support of you in the march they will be reminded again and again each time you email them. But it won't be annoying because it's a cute little graphic silently reminding them!Fundraising can be tricky. Some people are great at it and for some it's kind of uncomfortable. But just keep in mind what you are fundraising for. This money isn't for you and your summer vacation, it's going to a very worthwhile cause that you believe in. Money towards research, funding for programs, improvements for NICU's, preventative screenings. These are just some of the reasons you are asking for money...because it matters. Click on the link below for another great tool to help you answer the question - where does the money go?
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Step One
Have you registered for the march???
If not, go HERE now and sign up!!
Okay, so now you are signed up. It's time to take a few minutes and update your
individual profile page and your team profile page (if you are the team captain).
Remember, these pages are where you will be directing the majority of
potential donors. Here and now is the place to get personal, open up,
share your story.
Why are you behind this cause? Why are you walking for babies?
What is YOUR story?
Unfortunately not all of our stories have a happy ending.
Not all of us have pictures to share of babies who beat the odds.
But you have a story...
You may be walking for a friend, sister, co-worker or all five of your healthy
babies who were born full-term.
You may walk because Utah in the spring is beautiful ~ and why not
help an amazing organization.
Regardless of your reason for walking YOU have a reason
and by sharing your story will commit you even more to our cause ~ your cause!
While you updating your page make sure to update your fundraising goals.
How do you pick a goal?
You can use a birth weight - 2 lbs 7 ounces would make for a great $2,700.
Three nieces and nephews? $300.
$10. for every day of 14 days in the NICU - $140.
$5,000. - because you're ambitious like that.
Get creative and pick a goal!
So, you've registered. Updated all of your information and determined a fundraising goal.
For now you're set. And coming up is how to
SPREAD THE WORD!
(in really fun, easy ways!)
...stay tuned
Monday, January 18, 2010
Team Spotlight: Jonah Baby
Leading up to our March for Babies event on May 15, 2010 we will be doing "Team Spotlights". These spotlights will show pictures and stories from participants of past walks. We hope these spotlights will help get you geared up for our event, learn some tips and ideas, get inspired by their stories and also get to know some of the other teams. So if you happen to see someone from our spotlights please say "hi" if you run into them at a rally (details to come) or the event on May 15!
Also, if you and your team would like to be featured please email us and let us know!
What is your team name? Jonah Baby
How many years have you participated in March for Babies? Two years
Approximately how many team members have you had? Five
What was your reason for first participating in the march?
We participated because of our 28-weeker who is now 2 1/2. We also had a stillborn baby at 24 weeks. Both of these experiences drew us to the March for Babies.
What is your best memory of a march?
The walks are so much fun for my kids, the activities are very well done. We love seeing all of the other teams and posters of children.
Did you fundraise for your team? Any tips or advice for fundraising?
We did not fundraise very well, next year we will know better how to do it.
How have you felt after participating?
Such a good feeling doing something like this for a great cause. It brings people together who have had similar circumstances.
Any advice or comments for other family teams?
Get as many people involved as you can!
It is so fun to see the big family teams and know they are together for the same cause. It is especially touching to see shirts or other ways of pulling the family teams together.
Team Jonah Baby
Submitted by team captain Melanie
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Help for Haiti
I'm sure all of you have seen the awful devastation in Haiti caused by the earthquake on January 12. The March of Dimes issued a press release on Friday January 15 with details of a special gift of $100,000. to UNICEF to help aid pregnant women and infants in Haiti. Please read to the attached statement http://www.marchofdimes.com/aboutus/49267_62824.asp
The March of Dimes has set up a way for you to help immediately. You can text the word: BABY to 20222 and your phone will be charged $5.00 for a donation to the March of Dimes. These donations will be directed to the thousands of pregnant women and infants impacted by this devastating event.
Time to Register
If you haven't already, please register for the 2010 Salt Lake March for Babies! We have about four months until the walk and the very first step in participating is registration. Please go to http://www.marchforbabies.org and if you have participated before and have an existing team click on LOG IN HERE (about the middle of the page). Login using your user name and password - if you have forgotten either of these please have them emailed to you from MOD. Using your existing information from years past will make things easier for everyone. Once you have logged in you can register for this year's walk, make yourself the Team Captain and have other people join your team. If you have any questions on registering please email us or contact support at the login page.
Once you have registered this is a great time to update your March for Babies team page and individual page. These pages should have updated information for this years walk - maybe update with a picture from a previous walk, new motivation for walking again, a story behind your goal amount. This is your opportunity to let people know why you are participating and why the march is important to you.
So take a little time and register this week, think about your fundraising goals and update your page. Your participation in the march is what makes the event successful!
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