WAILUKU – The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

There are more than 500,000 premature births in the U.S each year, with over 2,200 right here in Hawaii.

The Maui March for Babies will take place on Saturday, April 14, in front of War Memorial Gym at 7 a.m. There will be food, entertainment, prizes and the two-mile walk through Keopuolani Park.

Lauren Wilson, this year’s family team coordinator, said, “The walk is a unique and fun way to honor or celebrate a baby and family that has been touched by prematurity, birth defects or infant mortality.

“Seeing so many local businesses and families from the community come together to ensure all babies are born healthy is moving, especially as a parent that has benefited from the work the March of Dimes has done.”

This year’s March for Babies coordinator, Jeff Rogers, hopes that more individuals and businesses will help fundraise and participate in this year’s walk.

To register, go to www.marchforbabies.org or call Rogers at 214-2839 for more information.