Stephens, Franklin Counties March for Babies

Walkers head out for this year's March for Babies at Tugaloo State Park on Saturday

Walkers head out for this year’s March for Babies at Tugaloo State Park on Saturday

Local residents gather to again march for babies.

The annual Stephens-Franklin County March for Babies to benefit the March of Dimes took place Saturday at Tugaloo State Park in Franklin County.

Volunteers and participants from both counties gathered to walk to raise awareness for the March of Dimes and celebrate the completion of another fundraising campaign.

They did so under clear skies and comfortable temperatures for a Fall Saturday morning.

Michelle Lanier is on the Stephens and Franklin County March of Dimes Volunteer Committee.

She said it has been another good year for the March for Babies in the area, though final numbers are not in yet.

“We hope to raise around $32,000,” said Lanier. “I think we are going to meet it. It went well this year. We had a good turnout today.”

Money raised through the March for Babies each year nationwide goes to benefit the March of Dimes.

Lanier said that money helps the organization with its mission, to improve the health of babies, specifically targeting pre-mature births.

“They use it for research,” said Lanier. “It is the research to make sure it does not keep happening and we can stop pre-mature births.”

Besides the walk, there were refreshments, along with music and games.

Those in attendance also got to hear from this year’s ambassador families in Stephens County and Franklin County.

This year’s Stephens County ambassador family is Molly and Josh Harris and their twin boys, Gavin and Griffin.

Meanwhile, this year’s Franklin County ambassador family is NJ and Brittany Parker and their twin girls, Emma and Ella.

Lanier said it is always great to hear the stories of the ambassador families.

“This is the first year we have had two sets of twins, so that is so much cuteness running around,” said Lanier. “They do a wonderful job.”

For more information on the March of Dimes, go online to www.marchofdimes.org.