Sparks to Partner with March of Dimes, Starting with April 26 March for Babies
Published on March 25, 2008 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Los Angeles Sparks News Release
LOS ANGELES - The March of Dimes and the Los Angeles Sparks will partner to raise awareness about pregnancy and baby health in addition to raising funds through March of Dimes' March for Babies on April 26, it was announced.
Formerly known as WalkAmerica, March for Babies is the March of Dimes' premier fundraising event that benefits all babies - those born healthy as well as those who need help to survive and thrive.
"The Sparks are very excited to be able to partner with the March of Dimes on this extremely important project," said Sparks' co-owner Kathy Goodman. "We are very aware of the needs of the community, and we see the March for Babies as a wonderful opportunity to be involved in an event that benefits thousands of people in Southern California."
"Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death and we are committed to reducing its toll," said John Barrett, chairman of the board of directors for the Los Angeles March of Dimes. "By engaging more people in our mission, and educating more pregnant women and moms about healthy babies, we hope to reach that goal much sooner."
The Sparks have launched the March for Babies registration page on the WNBA team's Web site. On lasparks.com, fans can register for the chance to walk with Sparks' General Manager Penny Toler at the March for Babies. For $30, they receive a ticket to the July 14 celebration game, a T-shirt and a donation to the March of Dimes ($6 from each ticket purchased goes to the March of Dimes). The Sparks will further the enlistment of walkers by conducting outreach to their fans.
Additionally, the Sparks will assist the March of Dimes in their effort to educate students by creating a separate registration page for Southern California schools and youth basketball teams to join the walk. The Sparks have created a contest where the high school that raises the most money for the March for Babies receives a visit from a Sparks' player. For further information, visit http://www.wnba.com/sparks/community/March_of_Dimes.html
Premature birth touches half a million babies and their families every year, including one in nine (10.7 percent of live births) in California. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. More than 120,000 babies are born with serious birth defects that can mean a lifetime of disability. Babies born healthy need assistance too, to be sure they have access to newborn screening and preventive health care.
In 2008, national March for Babies sponsors are CIGNA, Continental Airlines, Famous Footwear, Farmers, FedEx, Grain Foods Foundation, Liberty Tax Services, nesting.com, and Kmart, the March of Dimes' number one corporate partner which has raised more than $63 million for babies. Additional national sponsorship is provided by Discovery Health, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Outdoor Services and Ther-Rx. In California, March for Babies is proudly presented by Farmers Insurance.
The Sparks begin their 2008 WNBA regular season May 17 at the defending champion Phoenix Mercury. The game airs at 12:30 p.m. PT on ABC. The Sparks play their home opener at STAPLES Center on June 6 at 7:30 p.m. with a rematch against the Mercury.
For Sparks' season ticket information, call 1-877-44-SPARKS.
About March of Dimes
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. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.
About the Los Angeles Sparks
The Los Angeles Sparks are entering their 12th season in the Women's National Basketball Association. The Sparks are one of the eight original teams in the WNBA. In December 2006 the Sparks became the first team in the WNBA to be co-owned by two women and is now one of seven WNBA teams to be owned and operated independently of NBA teams. For the first time in franchise history, the Sparks won the top pick for the 2008 WNBA Draft. The Sparks were led to back-to-back WNBA Championships in 2001 & 2002 by head coach Michael Cooper. The team's roster of star athletes is led by three-time league MVP Lisa Leslie and includes 2005 WNBA Rookie of the Year Temeka Johnson, WNBA All-Star Taj McWilliams-Franklin and stand-out rookie Sidney Spencer. The Los Angeles Sparks play their home games at STAPLES Center in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. For Sparks' season ticket information, call 1-877-44-SPARKS.
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from March 25, 2008
- Sparks To Partner With March Of Dimes, Starting With April 26 March For Babies - Los Angeles Sparks
- Sparks to Partner with March of Dimes, Starting with April 26 March for Babies - Los Angeles Sparks
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