I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Kmart. I received product samples and a travel stipend to attend an event, and I received a promotional item to thank me for participating and a donation was made on my behalf to March of Dimes.
I’ve always thought there was no way that I could participate in a 5K. I mean, I would love to but I just didn’t think I had it in me. When I heard about the March of Dime’s March for Babies 5K in St. Louis though, I knew I had to do it.
March of Dimes has a simple mission – “We help moms have full-term pregnancies and research the problems that threaten the health of babies.” As a Mom of 3, there’s nothing more important to me than my babies and my heart goes out to any Mom out there that has to face a health problem with their baby.
When I had the chance to march for babies as a part of Team Kmart, I jumped at the chance. Kmart is the number one corporate supporter of the March of Dimes Foundation and they have launched its unprecedented fourth decade of fundraising support for the cause, kicking off its 2014 campaign with new ways to donate, and rewards for giving for Shop Your Way members.
During the last three decades, Kmart has raised $114 million to help advance the critical work being done by the March of Dimes on behalf of newborns.
Amazing! So you can see why I was just so excited to walk on behalf of Team Kmart!
My whole family and I woke up bright and early to head to Forest Park in St. Louis {Fun Fact: Forest Park was the location of the 1904 World’s Fair and is larger than Central Park!} for the march. My son was so excited because there were a ton of booths to check out, a clown with balloon animals, face painting, a DJ and bounce houses!
The DJ warmed up the crowd a bit and then after an amazing rendition of The Star Spangled Banner, we then heard from the emcee, Margie Ellisor from Fox 2 St. Louis. We also got to hear from the St. Louis 2014 Ambassador family Kurt and Ashley Schafluetzel and their baby Ella. We got to hear their story and I’m pretty sure everyone around me was tearing up as we saw that beautiful baby!
Then, we were off!
It was a GORGEOUS day out – finally! It was in the 70’s and sunny. We had some friends meet us there and we loved walking through scenic Forest Park. It was a refreshing walk and there were tents at each mile with volunteers handing out water. There was also a tent that handed out noisemakers, which my son loved!
The last half mile of the March for Babies 5K was dedicated to the babies who were lost and to the preemies who were there at the walk. As we walked, I read each sign and the names of the children that March of Dimes helped. When I was pregnant with Olivia and Evie, I was constantly afraid that I would go into labor early since it can happen frequently with twin pregnancies. My husband and I prayed as we finished the walk with our 3 kids on how lucky we were and I am so thankful there is an organization like March of Dimes out there to help families.
Again, thank you so much to Kmart for sponsoring m to walk in the event! This year marked Kmart’s 22nd year as a national sponsor for the annual March for Babies® walks, which takes place this spring in 900 communities across the country.
Can’t walk but still want to help? Now through June 21, 2014, donors can contribute in-store at any Kmart and online via a link at kmart.com/marchofdimes, with 100 percent of funds raised benefitting the March of Dimes. This year, Kmart rewards its Shop Your Way members who donate in-store with a coupon for five percent back in points on their next qualifying in-store or online merchandise purchase. Also new this year, Kmart introduced a collectible puppy figurine, available in-store or online for just $5, with $1 from each sale benefitting the March of Dimes.
For more information or to donate, visit kmart.com/marchofdimes. Members are also encouraged to follow the Shop Your Way March of Dimes page at ShopYourWay.com/marchofdimes!
Check out my video recap of the March for Babies 5K!
Has March of Dimes helped anyone you know?
Looks like a good time was had by one and all plus it was a worthy cause. I remember years ago we used to get a card where you literally filled it up with dimes and turned it in!
Good for you, that is awesome! The March of Dimes is SUCH a great organization and I love that so many people came out to support them.
I know so many people that the MoD has helped. What a great organization. And, you had a great day for your walk, too!
The March of Dimes is a great organization! There was one recently near me but I couldn’t attend due to being at another event. I need to do a 5K race some day, it is on my bucket list.
What a great cause!! and yea! go you for finishing a 5 K!!
March of Dimes is a great cause. Congrats on finishing a 5 K! It is certainly on my TO DO list as well.
Good for you for doing that walk! It sounds like a fun day for a great cause 🙂
I love family runs and walks. You really have to not care about time with all the strollers!
Good for you and your family! I have done the walk before and it’s a great feeling when you cross the finish line. I think it’s great that Kmart is helping to support the cause.
Awesome job! so happy you got out there with your family for such a great cause. I remember doing these walks when I was younger. will have to look into doing one again.
This looks like it was a really fun event. Congrats on the walk! March of Dimes is such a great organization and I love that they have walks like this to raise funds for it.
I remember participating in March of Dimes walks when I was a child. I enjoyed reading about your experience with one of their fundraising events.
Congrats on doing the walk! March of Dimes is a great organization!
It looks like you had a great day! Walking for March of Dimes is great, they’re a wonderful organization.
I love the March Of Dimes organization and everything they do for mothers and their babies. This is definitely a cause that I would not mind walking in the hot sun to support.
It’s great that you did this march. The March of Dimes is a great organization.
What a fabulous event to participate! My best friend was the mom to 3 preemie babies, so I know how important this cause is!
Great cause! Love that it was a family affair.
So grateful for all of the help and support that March of Dimes does to keep babies healthy.
I love participating in the March of Dime Walk! Such a great mission and every little bit helps!
My best friend’s son was born at 26 weeks. He was only 2 lbs and 3 oz. I am so glad that there is an organization out there to help people avoid the heartache I know she felt while holding that baby day after day in the NICU. (Update- he is a chubby healthy guy. He will turn 1 next month!)
Awesome cause! Congrats to you for accomplishing the 5K!
thankfully i haven’t needed March of Dimes. Congrats to you for getting through the 5K
The March of Dimes is such a big deal! Kudos to you for participating!
I really wanted to do that 5K, but it conflicted with another appointment. So glad you were able to do it. What a great cause to support.
Such a great cause! I’ve joined in these walks in the past but didn’t this year.
Looks like it was a great day. Having had a premie I love March of Dimes and everything they do!
What a great cause. That is definitely a great way to give back to help others
I love March of Dimes. They are such an amazing organization.
The March of Dimes is such a wonderful organization! I’m so glad that you and your family were able to participate in the 5k!
I feel so blessed to have healthy boys, and my heart also goes out to any mom with deal with health struggles in their babies. The march here has already passed, but I hope I can participate next year!
Good!
I had no idea kmart had raised so much money for march of dimes. that’s awesome
I am so proud of you and it looks like everyone had a wonderful time.