Raiders walk for healthier babies

Wright State students, faculty and staff gather for a group photo Saturday, April 28, after the Miami Valley March for Babies in Carillon Historical Park in Dayton.

The March of Dimes’ annual Miami Valley March for Babies fundraising campaign finished with a flourish last week, thanks in part to efforts by Wright State students, faculty and staff.

Despite chilly temperatures and the threat of rain, hundreds of volunteers gathered at Carillon Historical Park in Dayton on Saturday, April 28, to turn in money, celebrate and walk in support of research and programs to help premature babies and their families.

“We must have been one of the largest contingents participating,” Wright State President David Hopkins said Monday in a letter to the campus community.

More than 150 student athletes, the Business Student Leadership team, representatives from We Serve U, and members of every college and division took part in Saturday’s walk, said Hopkins, who co-chaired this year’s campaign with his wife Angelia.

While donations are still coming in and being counted, the 2012 Miami Valley March for Babies appears to be on track to reach its community goal of $260,000, said Jacalyn Allen, director of the March of Dimes’ Dayton office.

The deadline for teams to submit their funds to compete for awards is June 1, but fundraising goes on throughout the year, she said.

Wright State teams should turn in their money by Friday, May 11, said Jacqueline McMillan, vice president for enrollment management and chair of the campaign’s campus steering committee. Additional prizes will be awarded later to top individuals and top teams, she said.

Wright State’s fundraising effort included raffling a 50-inch flat-panel TV. Volunteers sold 909 raffle tickets for $1 apiece or six for $5. The winning ticket went to Ulysses Drinks, director of administration for Communications and Marketing.