Atlanta’s Leading Radio Stations Unite for Broadcasters for Babies – July 29 (Hometown Dekalb

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Atlanta’s Leading Radio Stations Unite for Broadcasters for Babies – July 29

Published Jul 29, 2008
(Updated Jul 30, 2008)

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Radiothon Raises Funds and Awareness for March of Dimes Cause of Healthy Babies

Atlantans will wake up to their usual cup of coffee, tune into their favorite radio stations and hear a full morning of reasons to help Georgia babies survive and thrive during this year’s Broadcasters for Babies radio fundraiser to benefit the March of Dimes. Twenty-eight major Atlanta radio stations will put competition aside on July 29th (6 am-11 am) to raise money in support of life saving research and critical programs focused on giving every baby a healthy start or providing comfort to families when the unexpected happens.

All stations will direct listeners to make donations by calling the toll free number 1-866-MOD BABY (663-2229) or by going online at www.marchofdimes.com/georgia. Certain pledge amounts will earn listeners prizes such as AirTran Airways business class tickets for domestic travel; two-night stays at Beau Rivage Resort on the scenic Mississippi Gulf Coast; Vacation Express travel packages to Oasis Hotels and Resorts in Cancun, Mexico and dinner for two at some of Atlanta’s most popular restaurants.

Last year, Atlanta’s radio community raised $140,000 for the March of Dimes through Broadcasters for Babies (formerly known as Breakfast for Babies) and the annual Achievement in Radio (A.I.R. Awards) Dinner. Atlanta’s leading radio stations are once again spearheading Broadcasters for Babies with a generous donation of morning air time rooted in a 70 year history with the March of Dimes. In 1938, radio personality Eddie Cantor first coined the term “March of Dimes,” playing on the popular newsreel feature "The March of Time." Cantor appealed to radio listeners all over the country to send their dimes directly to the White House to raise money to wipe out polio. The campaign proved successful, and the great partnership between the March of Dimes and the radio industry continues today with a focus on ensuring healthy outcomes for every baby.

The Facts:

Thousands of children are alive today, and millions more are leading healthier lives because of advances in treatment and prevention made possible by March of Dimes funded research.
Despite decades of research, scientists have yet to develop effective ways to prevent premature birth.
In an average week in Georgia, 372 babies are born preterm facing an increased risk of death and serious medical complications such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, chronic lung disease, developmental delays and vision and hearing problems.
Between 1995 and 2005, the rate of infants born too soon and too small in Georgia increased more than 16%.
In the U.S., 120,000 babies will be born with a birth defect and nearly 30,000 babies will die before their first birthday.

About March of Dimes
Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to improve the health of babies. For the latest resources and information, visit www.marchofdimes.com/georgia or www.nacersano.org.

Media Contacts:
Laura Johnson
404.350.9800 x203
LLJohnson@marchofdimes.com

2008 Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Time: 6 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Participating Stations: