The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) at Fossil Ride hosted the annual March of Dimes event last Wednesday, October 12 to help fund a nonprofit that works to improve the health of mothers and newborns.

Characterized by its Prematurity campaign, March of Dimes has taken action on the rising incidents of premature births. About 15 million babies are born prematurely every year an are at high risk of being unhealthy later in life and even death. Families caring for premature babies also carry a great financial burden.

FBLA began the walk from Fossil Ridge High School to BJ’s Brew house located at Front Range Village in Fort Collins, Colorado. About 150 participants, which included Fossil’s football, soccer, and volley team came to support the event. From donations, FBLA received about 230 dollars in addition to 20% of proceeds donated by BJ’s. Vice President Lisa Landwehr stated that, “the funds raised by the event will go towards life-saving research and programs to end premature births.”

Its original mission, facilitated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, sought to end the polio epidemic. The foundation has now progressed to addressing causes of genetic birth defects and infant mortality. March of Dimes is able to promote newborn screening as well as educate the public and of best practices for healthy pregnancies.

“The number of participants and funds received was a dramatic increase from the previous year,” claimed Landwehr, “We hope that next year, we will have even more supporters from the community as well as Fossil students.”