Walk America 2002, walking to save babies

GAINESVILLE - A walk by over a thousand raised money to save little ones Saturday at Gainesville High School.

It was fun, there was plenty of food, plenty of music, even warm up exercises and hula skirts.

However the purpose of the 2002 Walk America was serious enough according to Northeast Georgia March of Dimes Director Linda Newman.

"We are into the prevention of birth defects,"
said Newman.

March of Dimes began its battle to save children with polio in the 1950's.

Walk America began 32 years ago and Newman said it gets bigger every year.

Gainesville businesses, civic groups, and individuals donned their walking shoes for the March of Dimes Walk.

Kim Pace and Pat Allen of Northeast Georgia Medical Center walked to help meet the 2 hundred and 20 thousand dollar goal.

"We're trying to raise money for a good cause, saving babies," said Pace.

"We're going to finish," said Allen.

The $220,000 goal will be spent on research to protect infants them from birth defects and other life threatening ailments.

Newman said $200,000 was raised before Saturday's walk began.

George Cleveland walked to save babies during Gainesville's Walk America.

"Children have a special place in my heart," said Cleveland,"Epecially children who need help and can definitely use the contributions that come from march of Dimes."