UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 27, Page 11
April 13, 1995
March of Dimes WalkAmerica to step off April 30

     This year's March of Dimes WalkAmerica fundraising event is one
of the most important activities in recent years, according to Sandy
Turner, community director of the March of Dimes Delaware State/Upper
Shore of Maryland chapter.
     With the state of Delaware leading the nation in the number of
infant deaths, the funds raised through WalkAmerica-an annual 15K (9
mile) fundraiser-are critically important, she said.
     Last year, the local effort raised $327,000, Turner said. To
maintain that level, she added, the involvement of individuals and
companies is critical.
     Turner said the University of Delaware team is considered one of
WalkAmerica's leading participants. In 1993, the UD team consisted of
8 persons and raised $1,005. In 1994, the UD number grew to 89
participants who raised $3,595.
     "We certainly think of the University team as one of our leading
participants and hope it stays in the lead and continues growing
strong," Turner said. "We are really happy about those teams that are
participating. We need them more than ever before."
     The University of Delaware Stadium is the site for this year's
WalkAmerica for Healthier Babies, scheduled to step off at 9 a.m.,
Sunday, April 30. Check in begins at 8 a.m. YoUDee, the UD's Fightin'
Blue Hen mascot, will be on hand to help send off the walkers.
     A limited edition "YoUDee Struts for March of Dimes" T-shirt will
be given to the first 250 members of the UD campus community to
register for WalkAmerica.
     Registration cards are available at the Student Services
Building, Perkins Student Center main desk, Carpenter Sports Building,
all UD fitness centers, Delaware Field House and University Bookstore.
They also are available by calling 831-6651.
     The Delaware March of Dimes is offering a special T-shirt to
everyone who raises and turns in at least $75 on or before the day of
WalkAmerica.
     At 8:15 a.m., April 30, before the step-off, the 1995 T-shirt
contest will be held. Organizations and businesses that have designed
their own T-shirts for their employees to wear during the event will
compete. The "YoUDee Struts for March of Dimes" T-shirt is one of the
entries.
     For additional information on the March of Dimes WalkAmerica,
call 831-6651.
                                                         -Ed Okonowicz