In 2008, the March of Dimes, which is an organization that works to fight prematurity in infants, hosted a March for Babies walk in 900 communities across the country and the students and faculty at UCF were among the millions of participants.
Already in its fifth straight year, KnightWalk for Babies will be held right here on campus on February 28. KnightWalk, which is UCF’s version of March for Babies, brings together teams of UCF students, faculty and clubs to raise awareness about infant mortality and prematurity. Organized by the March of Dimes Collegiate Council at UCF, the walk will cover the perimeter of campus, which is about 2.5 miles.
KnightNews.com spoke to the Co-Directors of the Collegiate Council, Jennie Hayes and Julia Senecal. “As Co-Director of the March of Dimes Collegiate Council, I share responsibilities with Julia Senecal. She and I are in charge of the entire council, whose main focus is KnightWalk for Babies, which we host annually each Spring semester,” Hayes commented.
Additionally, they arrange to bring guest speakers to attend the walk, which is made possible through SGA funding. In general, the Collegiate Council tables at KORT-sponsored events, speaks to classes and organizations, and holds fundraisers on and off campus. “Over the past four years, the March of Dimes Collegiate Council at UCF has raised over $50,000,” Senecal said. “Last year alone, we raised a bit over $10,000 with about 200 walkers participating.”
If you are interested in walking, sign up at www.marchforbabies.com, and search for UCF’s zip code, 32816. Registration begins at 2 p.m. in front of Millican Hall, and the walk will start at 3 p.m. Also, with a $25 donation, you get a KnightWalk T-shirt and, of course, food and drinks will be provided. Be sure to sign up and show your support for this great cause!
