Minot March for Babies

Wow, it has been a while sine my last post. Time just gets away from me during March for Babies season. We had our first successful march in Minot a last weekend. Pictures can be found at ndmarchofdimes.shutterfly.com. Best of luck to those who have March for babies in the next few weeks. Hope you are getting close to your goals!

Dizzy the clown and a young marcher at Minot March for Babies.

Setting Goals

Wow, it seems just like yesterday we were packing up our Christmas trees and anticipating the arrival of spring. Mother nature has decided that we will wait a few more weeks for spring but in the mean time March for Babies is approaching fast with our first event in Wahpeton March 28. As we close in on the end and you are working to set and reach your goals here are a few tips to help you out.

Make your goals personal. Ask for 28 donations of $10 or donations of $28, for each week you carried your child. If you had a full term child, ask for 40 donations or for 10 $40 donations.

Give people numbers to think about. As many of you know, prematurity is very expensive. Share some of these satistcs with your supports.

• $1,368 1 vial Synagis which is an injection qualified preemies receive each month October-April to prevent RSV.
• $300-500 is the average cost of home oxygen therapy per month
• $1,200 average cost of one day in the NICU depending on level of care needed.
• $150-180 per dose of Surfactant. Surfactant helps lungs in premature babies by preventing RDS (respiratory distress syndrome). Babies can receive up to 3 doses

Have fun. Through this entire processes your main goal should be to have fun. Every dollar you raise helps give every baby a healthy start. Thank you for your continued dedication.

$1000 to top Walker in the state

Scheels has been a strong supporter of the March of Dimes for many years and this year is no execption. This year Scheels has donated a $1,000 gift certificate to the top walker in North Dakota. This is a gerat incentive to raise funds and help give everybaby a healthy start.

Kick-offs!

Kick-offs are starting across the state, and no this has nothing to do with football! A kick off is a great way to get excited and pumped up for March for Babies as well as get new ideas for fundraising. The dates for upcoming kick-offs are:

• Minot - Feb. 2nd 4-5 at the Grand international
• Wahpten - Feb. 4th 4-5 at Bank of the West
• Jamestown - Feb. 12th at Grizzly’s Grill N’ Saloon
• Fargo - Feb. 17th 4-5 at Season’s at Rose Creek
• Bismarck – February 24th at Basin Electric Power Cooperative 4-5pm
• Dickinson – February 26th at the West River Community Center from 4-5pm
  

If you have missed your kickoff or are unable to attend, contact us at the office and let us know what information you need and we will get it right out to you!

Family Team Shirts

Are you looking for a way to stand out as a family team? Getting family team shirts is a great way to do just that.

http://www.eagraphics.com/marchofdimes has several options for you to personalize your shirts and make them unique to your team. Just click on "Family Teams Personalized Templates." This company also has hats and bandanas unique to family teams.

If during the process of ordering these shirts you hit any road bumps or have any questions feel free to contact me and I would be glad to help you.

Where does the money go?

In your search for donations to help the March of Dimes many people question how the money will help North Dakota. All of the money raised in North Dakota stays in North Dakota to help moms and babies in our state. Baby Alex is a great illustration of how your donations are improving the health of babies every day.
Every bit helps!

North Dakota Marches

The dates and locations have been set!
Wahpeton - March 28 at Blikre Actives Center
Minot - April 4 at Jim Hill Middle School
Grand Forks - April 18 at the Ralph Engelstad Arena
Jamestown - April 18 at the Civic Center
Fargo - April 25 at the West Fargo Veterans Memorial Arena
Dickinson - May 2 at the Dickinson Recreation Center
Bismarck - May 16 at Basin Electric Power Cooperative
Lidgerwood - May 16 at Kugler Field/LHS Activity Center
Find the walk closest to you and help give every baby a healthy start!