Success has been tallied from the April 26 March for Babies event. Organizers raised nearly $40,000 to benefit the March of Dimes.

Hundreds filled Kidd Brewer Stadium on the campus of Appalachian State University to participate in the 3.1 mile walk and enjoy the carnival in the center of the field.

“It was a great day. People had a blast,” said co-chair Cameron St. Clair. “The ASU student athlete volunteers did a wonderful job helping us run everything.”

The March for Babies is a national event, with more than 900 taking place throughout the United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The walks serve as the largest fundraiser for the March of Dimes national organization.

The local march was organized by co-chairs ASU athletic director Charlie Cobb and his wife, assistant women’s soccer coach Lindsay Cobb, and pediatrician Dr. Scott St. Clair of Blue Ridge Pediatrics and his wife, Cameron St. Clair.

The March of Dimes is dedicated to the health of babies and mothers by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The mission is carried out through research, community services, education and advocacy at the national level. The organization focuses on premature births, defects and low birth weights. Parent education is a vital role in ensuring the health of babies. The organization also fights for every pregnant woman, newborn and child to have access to health care and insurance.

Anyone interested in giving to help organizers reach their goal of $45,000 from Watauga County can visit www.marchforbabies.org, or send a check to March for Babies, 1220 Commerce St., Suite G, Conover, N.C. 28613.