Walkers raise $43,000

Published 11:36 am Monday, April 20, 2009

Baby steps added up to $43,000 raised Saturday for the March of Dimes Society.

That’s how much was raised in the 2009 March For Babies.

“It was great to see to many people and businesses come together,” said Nate Finney, fundraiser chairperson. “We appreciate the generosity of everyone who helped out.”

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Nate Brinkman, son of Jeff and Julie Brinkman, was the first to complete the 6.5 mile route Saturday morning.

The 12-year-old ran the route.

In addition to his parents and a younger sister, his grandparents, Bob and LaVonne Brinkman, joined the walkers.

In addition, the young said a cousin and an aunt also made up the Brinkman Claim Service team.

The youth has made 11 walks since he was an infant and his parents transported him in a stroller.

“I think it’s important to do this because of the babies who die early and who are born early,” the sixth grader at Ellis Middle School said.

Lindsey Vinci, Forest City, Iowa, and her son, Cooper, seven months, made the walk.

She was part of a family team called “Cooper Strong” in honor of the seven-months-old baby born prematurely.

“Cooper was born 8 weeks premature, and we decided we were going to raise money for the March of Dimes,” the mother said.

How did Cooper enjoy the walk? “He slept the whole way,” his mother said.

Laurie Chicos, Freeborn, and friends were part of the Children’s Center team from Albert Lea.

Their work motivated them to organize a team for Saturday’s fundraiser.

“We’re walking for healthy, healthy, babies,” she said.

Chicos has been on all 17 walks for the March of Dimes charity.

This year, she finished $13 shy of raising $800.

Leah DeVries, Austin, was a member of an Austin Medical Center – Mayo Health Systems team.

“Last year was my first year,” DeVries said. “I want to be a mother some day and I think it is important to raise money for the research needed to help premature babies and to know that they will be cared for.”

DeVries’ sister, Lindsey, brought her daughter Peytyn along for the walk.

“It was a lot of fun,” she said of the walk.

Why did she participate? Answer” To generate more awareness for babies,” she said.

Randy Kramer relinquished his chairman’s role this year and turned it over to Finney.

Kramer has bee a part of all 17 March For Babies fundraisers.

Kramer and his wife are parents of twin sons, now fifth graders.

“I first got involved with the March of Dimes in 1992 and five years later we had premature twins,” he said, “So it’s personal … that I’m involved.

Kramer said he continues to be impressed with the sponsorship the annual event is able to attract. “We really appreciate all the generosity of the businesses who help sponsor the March For Babies,” he said.

A total of 243 walkers participated in Saturday’s 6.5 mile walk, which originated at Holiday Inn Conference Center and Torge’s Live, according to Peggy Young, a volunteer.

No walk was held this year at Albert Lea in a cost-savings measured by the March of Dimes Society, so that swelled the participation total in Austin.

Infants and elderly, as well as everyone in between, participated, according to Young.

The Ambassador Family, Brian and Tina Quill and their children, including premature triplets, were among the most eye-catching along the 6.5 mile route.

“The triplets were in a triple-stacking stroller so each of them could see where they were going,” Young said.

The Quail team was also the largest to make the walk — 30 in all.

Austin Police Department officers provided traffic control and check points at Todd Park, Mower County Recycling Center, Mill Pond and Kuehn Motors were manned by sponsors including Community Bank Austin, American Family Insurance – Jeffrey Austin Agency and Cedar Valley Services.

Other major sponsors included Walmart Inc., Accentra Credit Unit, Austin Medical Center – Mayo Health Systems, Treasure Island Resort and Casino, Kmart and Farmers Insurance Group.

After returning to the Holiday Inn Conference Center – Torgie’s Live parking lot, the walkers were served refreshments and lunch, while the organizers expressed their appreciation to everyone.

Young’s son, Ross, was the Ambassador Child in the 2001 March For Babies (formerly called “Walk America”).

“I’ve been on the committee every since,” the mother said. “They’re a great group of people and we’re always looking for more committee members who want to volunteer to help us raise research funds for babies.”

For the record, the top teams were: D.J. P;iepho, Team Quail, Davis, Thoen, Kramer & Associates – Ameriprise Financial Services, and AMC-Mayo Health Systems.

Shantel Piepho was the top individual walker for funds raised.

“We had a great walk and it couldn’t have been so successful without the Albert Lea walkers,” said Finney.

“We appreciate their participation.”