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March of Dimes Bikers for Babies August 6
Motorcyclists Rev Up at Utica College; Raise Funds to Help Prevent Premature Birth
Written By Christine LeoGrande
Contact - Christine LeoGrande, Coordinator of Media Relations, (315) 223-2519, cleogrande@utica.edu
Utica, NY (08/16/2005) - On August 6, an estimated 1,500 motorcyclists joined in the March of Dimes Bikers for Babies fundraiser to help fight premature birth. The Ride began in Utica at Utica College, Addison Miller White Hall at the Burrstone Road entrance. Riders from nine starting sites came together at the Chevrolet Court at the NYS Fairgrounds for a celebration after the event."Premature birth is a common, serious and costly problem. By riding in this event, you support March of Dimes efforts to raise awareness of the problem and support research to save babies right here in our community and across the nation," says Ben Rabin, an attorney with Alexander & Catalano and volunteer chairman of Bikers for Babies. Premature birth affects more than 470,000 babies in the U.S. every year and the rates are rising. It is the leading cause of death in the first month of life.
This event was open to club riders, new riders and anyone who cares about babies. Some groups that participated this year are HOG chapters, ABATE members, Star Society, Southern Cruisers, Blue Knights and Christian Motorcycle Association. All March of Dimes Ride events are certified by the American Motorcycle Association and all start sites will have a State Police escort.
Mark Kovacs, director of alumni and parents relations at Utica College, said this was his sixth ride in support of the March of Dimes, noting that a number of UC alumni, employees and friends participated this year.
For the first time, the Ride had a national sponsor, Kawasaki Motor Corporation, who will be supporting this event for the next three years. “We’re proud here in Utica to have DDS Motorsports as local sponsors,” Rabin said.
Before participating in the event, riders collect contributions from family, friends and other motorcycle enthusiasts to help the March of Dimes fund vital research and programs to find the causes of premature births. Then, they ride the open road, covering more than 90 miles. The Utica Ride followed 12B through Clinton into Deansboro to Route 315, then onto Route 12 in Waterville, onto Route 20 to Route 46 through Oneida.
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes website at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web site at nacersano.org.
About Utica College – Founded in 1946, Utica College is a comprehensive private institution that grants the Syracuse University baccalaureate degree and the Utica College master’s and doctoral degrees. The College, located in central New York, approximately 90 miles west of Albany and 50 miles east of Syracuse, currently enrolls an approximated 2,300 undergraduate and 350 graduate students in 30 undergraduate majors, 24 minors, 12 master’s and two doctoral degree programs.
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