Countywide : March of Dimes Fund-Raiser Set

The March of Dimes is soliciting walkers and pledges for its 25th annual WalkAmerica to raise money to fight birth defects.

More than 3,500 walkers raised $350,000 by walking the five-mile course through Huntington Beach this year.

Organizers of the event hope to assemble 5,000 walkers and raise $500,000 in the 1995 walk, scheduled for April 29.

“Participants should know that 78% of the money they raise goes directly to research, education and community services and 60% of every dollar stays right here in Orange County to help Orange County’s babies to be born healthy,” event co-chairman Jim Hart said.

In its 24 years, WalkAmerica has raised $769 million nationwide for the March of Dimes.

“WalkAmerica accounts for almost half of the March of Dimes annual budget,” Orange County executive director Lynette Carlucci said.

WalkAmerica 1995 will cover a five-mile course starting at Magnolia Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway at Huntington State Beach, walking north to Huntington Beach Pier and returning to the starting point.

For more information about walking or pledging donations, call the March of Dimes at (714) 263-1100.