March of Dimes division holds appreciation lunch

Honorees present at a recent March of Dimes appreciation luncheon included, seated, from left: Regina Buerck of Nestle Purina Petcare and Ann Fisher of JCPenney; and standing, from left: WalkAmerica chairperson Shelly Kaiser, Debbie Schmittzehe of Nestle Purina Petcare, Kara Heuring of Commerce Bank, Dena Nelson of JCPenney, and March of Dimes spokeswoman Susan Davis.By Janis M. Gosche

Southeast Missourian

Reaching the end of its 2002 fund-raising season, the March of Dimes' Southeast Division recently held an appreciation luncheon where it recognized some of its top supporters and thanked St. Francis Medical Center for participating as a divisionwide sponsor for the first time this year.

"Because of their new level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Francis Medical Center, we can see our mission at work every day locally," said Susan Davis, March of Dimes spokeswoman.

Top fund-raising teams at the organization's WalkAmerica in April were Nestle Purina Petcare, $3,082; JCPenney, $3,000; and Commerce Bank, $2,000.

Top fund-raising individuals were Debbie Schmittzehe of Nestle Purina Petcare, $644; Carmen Cox of Southeast Missouri Hospital, $375; and Chris Walker of Nestle Purina Petcare, $309.

Cape Girardeau surpassed its 2002 March of Dimes goal of $28,000 by more than $1,000, according to Davis. There was also a 150 percent increase between this year and last year in money raised at and number of teams participating. With four different walk sites within the region, March of Dimes' Southeast Division surpassed its goal of $104,000 by raising $114,000 during this year's fund-raising campaign.

Last week's luncheon was held at The Indigo Restaurant & Spirits in Cape Girardeau to celebrate the 10th annual March of Dimes WalkAmerica taking place in downtown Cape Girardeau next year. This will allow for a more family-oriented event and enable the involvement of Cape Girardeau's downtown merchants, according to Davis. Next year's goal is $34,000.

jgosche@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133