Bikers for Babies ride and events slated Saturday

To the editor:

You don't usually associate motorcycle riders with babies, but there is a group of bikers that has some of the most gentle and loving people you will ever meet. These bikers shine up their motorcycles and put on their helmets every year to take a ride that helps to save the lives of the tiniest babies. They raise money and help the Southeast Missouri Division of the March of Dimes triumph over things like polio, folic acid awareness and prematurity.

Some of the causes of prematurity remain elusive. Premature deliveries have increased 27 percent since 1981 and total more than 475,000 annually. The March of Dimes has launched a five-year, $75 million national initiative. The goal is to increase public awareness and achieve a 15 percent reduction in the annual rate of premature birth.

You can help. Join us for the Bikers for Babies ride Saturday at River Eagle Distributing Co. on Rust Avenue. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. The ride will start at 11 a.m. There is a silent auction and a raffle for a Budweiser electric guitar. Tickets are also being sold for a statewide raffle of a 100th anniversary Harley-Davidson motorcycle. For more information, contact Colin Patterson at 335-7717. Hope to see you there.

TABITHA REECE

Board Member

Southeast Missouri Division

March of Dimes

Cape Girardeau