Jersey Mike’s Fundraiser – November 13th through November 19th

To celebrate Prematurity Awareness Month, Jersey Mike’s is donating 15% of their proceeds (with the flyer linked below) to March of Dimes. Enjoy lunch or dinner at any of 7 locations and support March of Dimes all week long!

Participating Locations:

In Maryland: Frederick, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Hagerstown, and Laurel

In Virginia: Leesburg and Sterling

Nancy Wiley – nwiley@marchofdimes.com

Southern Maryland Ambassador Sought for the March of Dimes

The search is on! The March of Dimes of Southern Maryland is beginning the selection process for the 2012 Southern Maryland Ambassador. The Southern Maryland Ambassador Program is a semi-annual campaign that puts a face on the March of Dimes mission…the face of a child who was helped by March of Dimes-funded research, programs, or educational campaigns designed to improve infant health. As a living symbol of the March of Dimes mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality, the Southern Maryland Ambassador plays a vital role in promoting the Foundation’s outreach.

Throughout the year, the Southern Maryland Ambassador and at least one parent travel across the region to meetings, special events, conferences, and fundraising activities, sharing their compelling story with audiences. During these visits, the Southern Maryland Ambassador may participate in media interviews and photo sessions and makes appearances with local celebrities, public officials, and senior-level corporate management to increase public, awareness of the
March of Dimes mission.

In order to qualify for Southern Maryland Ambassador, the following guidelines must be met:
The March of Dimes must have played some role (through research, community service, public education, etc.) in the child’s story.

The child’s school schedule and the parent’s work schedule(s) should be flexible enough to accommodate regional travel and related appearances without jeopardizing the parent’s employment. (Primarily weekends and/or week nights)

The child and his or her parent(s) must be able to well represent the March of Dimes at local events and volunteer meetings, as well as with media outlets of all types and at all levels.

All applications submitted will be reviewed by a committee to determine if the applicant meets the qualifications outlined in the guidelines. Finalists will be contacted to schedule an interview and photo session with one or more representatives of the Southern Maryland office. The Southern Maryland Ambassador will be chosen by the committee, based on the results of the personal visits, interviews and photo sessions. Notification takes place by letter, informing each family of the committee’s selection.

All interested persons may request an application package by contacting Jennifer Abell at 571-257-2310 or by email jabell@marchofdimes.com. All 2012 application forms are due no later than Friday, December 2, 2011.

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. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

Jenn Abell jabell@marchofdimes.com

Coming Soon…Festival of Trees in Salisbury, MD!

Join us for a holiday tradition on the Eastern Shore. Festival of Trees will be downtown, Salisbury, at the City Center. There is something for everyone, and this is an event you won’t want to miss. Listed below is our schedule of events.

General Admission

Sunday, November 20- 12-6pm

Monday, November 21- 10am-7pm

Tuesday, November 22-10am-7pm

Wednesday, November 23-10am-7pm

November 24 & 25-Closed for Thanksgiving

Saturday, November 26- 10am-7pm*

Sunday, November 27- 12-6pm

Monday, November 28- 10am-7pm

Tuesday, November 29-10am-7pm

Wednesday, November 30-10am-7pm

Thursday, December 10am-2pm

Adults $5/Children $3

Event Highlights

*Children’s Holiday Party

Saturday, November 26^th-10am-1pm

A holiday party for children featuring a visit from Santa, several make it & take it crafts, holiday hair and nails for the lil’ divas, cupcake decorating, face painting, Lego league demo & MORE!

$5 per person

YOUR KEY TO FABULOUS...

Ladies Night Out...at the Festival of Trees

Thursday, December 1, 2011-5:30-8:30pm
A fabulous fun-filled night devoted to pampering, holiday ideas & shopping...
Fashion Show, Key Raffle, Cupcake Challenge, Food,
Live & Silent Auctions, Prizes, Music, Shopping & More!
$25 in advance/$35 at the door

Contact Name and Email: Nicole Scharf at nscharf@marchofdimes.com or Wendy Jarrett at wjarrett@marchofdimes.com

Signature Chefs Auction of D.C.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011 • 6:30 p.m.

The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C.

Signature Chefs Auction of D.C. features 25 of Washington, D.C.'s top chefs, wineries and bartenders for an evening of culinary tastings, fine wine and entertainment. The evening will include silent and live auctions with unique dining packages, hotel stays and weekend getaways. The 2011 event co-chairs are former White House Executive Chef Walter Scheib and his wife, Jean. The 2011 honorary chef is Robert Wiedmaier, Chef/Proprietor of Marcel’s, Brasserie Beck, Brabo, The Butcher’s Block and Mussel Bar. The 2011 Cocktail Chair is Jo-Jo Valenzuela, Bar Manager at Old Glory BBQ.

If you are interested in attending…

Please visit marchofdimes.com/marylandmetrodc/7665_28179.asp

to purchase a corporate table and tickets and to view a list of participating restaurants

Individual Table: $2,000 ($1,520 Tax-Deductible)

Individual Tickets: $200 ($152 Tax-Deductible)

Exclusive sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information,

please contact Nicole Vagnerini at NVagnerini@marchofdimes.com

If you would like to make a donation to the auction, please contact

Marjorie Rochon at MRochon@marchofdimes.com

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/signaturechefsauctiondc

NVagnerini@marchofdimes.com

MRochon@marchofdimes.com

2nd Annual Trail Run For Healthier Babies

Just in time for the holidays, we’ve got a race for you! Come out and take the Trail Run Challenge on November 5^th, 2011 in Gambrill State Park in Frederick, MD. 7 mile and 2 mile options. If you run fast enough, you could win a roundtrip ticket on Airtran. First place male and female finisher of the 7 mile Race each wins 1 roundtrip ticket! Register today!

Nancy Wiley, nwiley@marchofdimes.com

World Prematurity Day is November 17th

The global problem of premature birth

The March of Dimes White Paper on Preterm Birth: The Global & Regional Toll (.PDF) estimates that nearly 13 million babies worldwide are born preterm each year. Over one million of these babies die during the neonatal period due to complications of prematurity. Organizations of parents affected by a premature birth are raising awareness of the problem in their countries and taking important steps to help reduce mortality and associated disability among babies born preterm. March of Dimes is helping to bring leading parents' organizations together to collaborate on successful strategies for reducing the toll of preterm birth worldwide. Strategies include raising awareness of the problem, facilitating health care professional training and parent education and improving the quality of care for preterm babies.

Organizations currently working with the March of Dimes include:

· EFCNI (Europe)

· Little Big Souls (Austrlia)

· National Premmie Foundation (Africa)

Where the United States stands on prematurity

1 in 8 babies are born premature. Every year, more than half a million babies are born too soon in the United States. Our country’s premature birth rate has risen by 36 percent over the last 25 years. That’s serious cause for concern.

Premature birth costs society more than $26 billion a year and takes a high toll on families. Babies born just a few weeks early are at risk of severe health problems and lifelong disabilities. Premature birth is the number 1 killer of newborns.

http://marchofdimesfamilyteams.blogspot.com/

Help Fight premature birth:

· Join us on face book and learn more about the problem.

· Show your support with others from all over the world

· Update your status.

Visit Facebook.com/WorldPrematurityDay

Order Your Health Babies are Worth the Wait Tee-shirt.

The Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait T-shirts are now available to order from our vendor. These shirts are available in white or purple, short sleeve, regular or maternity style. To order individual shirts click here.

hkane@marchofdimes.com

The Chapter office is moving

Starting September 1^st the Chapter office will be located at:

2120 Washington Blvd. Suite 425

Arlington VA 22204

Due to the Verizon Strike our phones will not be operational for a short time. If you need to get in contact with any March of Dimes staff please e-mail them. The main March of Dimes phone number, 703-824-0111 will be in service during this time if you can not get a hold of staff via e-mail. If you have any question or concerns please contact Heather Kane at hkane@marchofdimes.com

2011 Southern Maryland Bikers for Babies

Date: October 9, 2011
Location: Maryland International Speedway

Join us for the 8th Annual Southern Maryland Bikers for Babies!

Sunday, October 9, 2011. Registration begins at 11:00 am at Maryland International Raceway in Budds Creek, Maryland. Come early and enjoy music by the Sam Grow Band, visit the vendors, register for the tattoo contest or bike show; judging at noon. The 45 mile police escorted ride will begin at 2:00 with official line-up and start on the ¼ mile-racing track and will take you on a scenic ride through beautiful Southern Maryland when the fall foliage is at it’s peak. The ride will end at Apehangers Bar & Grill in Bel Alton, Maryland for a free after ride party with all the trimmings, including live entertainment by The Craze and Naked! All proceeds benefit the March of Dimes.

Help us give every baby a healthy, happy "birth" day.

Please join Bikers for Babies today!

Jennifer Abell jabell@marchofdimes.com

March of Dimes Golf for Babies

Maryland March of Dimes 4th Annual Golf for Babies event will be held Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at the Greystone Golf Course in Baltimore County, MD. This exciting event will kick off at 11am with registration and a box lunch on the course. Golfers will enjoy 18 holes of golf, lunch, dinner, prizes, awards and a silent auction, among more than 100 Baltimore area business leaders. The tournament will include 3 divisions, Men’s, Women’s and Mixed. For more information or to donate a silent auction package, contact Deanna Figiel at dfigiel@marchofdimes.com or 410.752-8178 (t)

TEAM OPPORTUNITIES:
*GOLD (4 golfers) - $1,750
*SILVER (2 golfers) - $900
*BRONZE (1 golfer) - $450

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS:
*Title Sponsor (8 golfers) - $5,000
*Dinner or Lunch (4 golfers) - $2,500
*Auction (4 golfers) - $2,500
*Cart (4 golfers) - $2,500
*Practice Tee or Scoreboard (4 golfers) - $2,500
*Putting Contest (4 golfers) - $2,500
*Signage (4 golfers) - $2,500

Deanna Figiel at Dfigiel@marchofdimes.com

Become A March of Dimes Volunteer Advocate And Make A Difference

Advocate That Made a Difference: Highlight Volunteer Advocate Jill Wood

Jill and her husband were joyfully celebrating the healthy birth of their first daughter. But her first night home from the hospital, the baby died. The autopsy found that she had an undiagnosed metabolic birth defect. Jill and her husband converted their pain and loss into action. In 2002, Jill testified before Congress in support of the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act (.PDF, 14KB). In 2008, the bill was signed into law by President George W. Bush. As a result, in 2010, national guidelines for newborn screening were issued to promote the screening of all babies for life-threatening, identifiable, but treatable, disorders in every state.

Many families have compelling stories that they can share to make changes to improve the quality of healthcare for all babies. By becoming a volunteer advocate, you can help the March of Dimes in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia make a difference in the lives of mothers and babies. As volunteer advocate, you could share your story on our website, testify before government officials, speak publicly at events, and speak to the media reporters about how your story relates to the March of Dimes public affairs agenda. Each story has a powerful message and we want you to be able to tell yours. Every story matters to us. To find out more about becoming a volunteer advocate contact: Dona Dei (ddei@marchofdimes.com)

The March of Dimes Public Affairs agenda focuses on public policies and programs that relate to the Foundation’s mission of improving the health of infants and children by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Listed are the issues requiring participation by local March of Dimes chapters:

• Access to health coverage for women of child bearing age, infants, and children
• Research funding to prevent prematurity, birth defects, and infant mortality
• Prevention and treatment to improve maternal, infant, and child health
• Institutional concerns pertaining to tax-exempt organizations
By establishing a short list of advocacy issue priorities, all chapters and the National Office will be able to speak with one voice about the Foundation’s legislative and regulatory agenda. To fined our more visit the March of Dimes Advocacy Center.





Heather Kane
hkane@marchofdimes.com

NICU Graduate Shirts

Help support the March of Dimes by purchasing these products for your pehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifrsonal use or give as gifts to family and friends. With every purchase you make, a portion of the proceeds directly benefits the March of Dimes.

Many of you have asked were you can get NICU Graduate shirts and sweatshirts for your children and the whole family. They also have bibs, receiving blankets, and cute cuddly bears. To find all the great March of Dimes products check out it out at http://www.awarenessproductsonline.com/mod_individual. You can also still order Family Team Merchandise at http://eagraphics.com/familyteamoptions.






Heather Kane
Hkane@marchofdimes.com

1st Annual United SC Poker Tournament benefiting the March of Dimes

Hosted by United Soccer Club,
2011 Virginia 0ver 30 State Champions
4 Time Final 4 National Finalists
Partnered with Northern Virginia Soccer League (NVSL)http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Date: July 23rd
Time: 3pm-10pm
Location: 1757 Golf Club
45120 Waxpool Road
Dulles, VA 20166
Register at : http://www.golfinvite.com/MODCharityPoker

• Registration is NOW OPEN!!!!
• Seating is limited
• Seats are purchased on a first come, first served basis
• Cash bar and full menu will be in available during the event.
• Long drive Challenge on the driving range
• Table Sponsor spaces are available for purchase

Poker Tournament Details
• Registration starts at 2 PM, and Tournament starts at 3 PM
• $100 Buy-in 4700 in chips to start if you register before July 1st *online or checks
• $120 Buy-in 4000 in chips to start if you register after July 1st *online or checks or walk-in
• $60 (1)Add-on at registration time (extra 3000 in chips)
• $40 (1)Add-on during tournament but before first break (extra 2000 in chips)
• $75 (1)Re-buy allowed before first break only after knocked out (3500 in chips)

Heather Kane
hkane@marchofdimes.com