Kaua‘i takes to Ke Ala Hele Makalae to help keiki

WAILUA — More than 200 people helped generate more than $22,000 to help March of Dimes during its March for Babies March 23 at Lydgate Park main pavilion and the multi-use path.

“The Kaua‘i March for Babies had an even better turnout than last year,” said Molly McGrath, the Kaua‘i March of Dimes March for Babies coordinator, said. “We had more than 200 people this year. Kaua‘i was the first in the state to hold March for Babies and we feel good about the start.”

McGrath said the monies turned in at the March for Babies is only the start of the entire event because Kmart, one of the event national sponsors, starts its in-store promotion a few days following the walk, and Longs Drugs, another sponsor, is currently in the midst of its promotion which runs through the end of the month.

“We raised more than $22,000,” McGrath said. “Kmart and Longs have just started their respective March for Babies campaign.”

McGrath said Rhextan Butay’s, this year’s Kaua‘i Ambassador Baby, grandmother works at Kmart and has stepped up to be their team captain.

“Jarett Chytka, the Kmart manager, has set an ambitious goal of raising $20,000 for his store,” McGrath said. “This is well above the national goal, which was set for his store.”

During the campaign at both Longs and Kmart, anyone wishing to help our keiki can purchase Baby Cut outs for $1, $5, or $10. The cut outs will be available at Kmart until June 23, and at Longs until April 30.

“Each island will hold walk events in the coming weeks, and all Kmart stores and Longs stores are involved throughout the state, and Guam,” McGrath said. “Our hope is that March for Babies will bring much needed attention to our goal that one day, all babies will be born healthy. Everyone’s support is a huge help toward reaching our goal.”

Visit www.marchofdimes.com for more information.

• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.