Community Corner

March For Babies at Blue Hill Plaza

The March of Dimes will hold a March for Babies Saturday at Blue Hill Plaza in Pearl River. Registration starts at 8 a.m. with the five-mile walk starting at 9 a.m.

March of Dimes Director of Walk Sharon P. Masciovecchio expects a crowd between 750 and 1,000 people to turn out for the annual Rockland County March for Babies through Pearl River.

The five-mile walk begins and ends at Blue Hill Plaza, with a route that goes to Main St. and then back up E. Central Avenue to Middletown Road before heading back to Blue Hill Plaza. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the walk starting at 9 a.m.

"It's a fun morning," Masciovecchio said. "Applebees does the lunch. Pinera is bringing the breakfast. We have face painters for the kids. We try to get a lot of people out there as families and from the schools to come out. It's a great community event."

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She added that there are five checkpoints along the routes and shuttle services will be provided from each checkpoint in case any walkers may need assistance.

The event is a fundraiser, with walkers finding sponsors for taking part.

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"We hope people will raise at least $25, but there is no real minimum," Masciovecchio said.

She added that Mack-Cali, Pfizer, M&T Bank, Greater Hudson Bank, Provident Bank, Novardis and Orange & Rockland Utilities are among the companies that will all have teams in the event. There will also be groups from Pearl River, Clarkstown and South Orangetown School Districts.

At one time, the march was held at Rockland Lake, but the current location is more attractive to sponsors.

"There is more exposure than just walking around the lake," Masciovecchio said.

The proceeds from the event go to research, advocacy, education and community grants to help in the cause improving the health of newborn babies, including providing aid in dealing with premature births. Masciovecchio said that 79 cents of every dollar raised goes right into programs and research.


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