Walkers raise nearly $25,000 for March of Dimes

More than 130 walkers from Southeast Missouri raised nearly $25,000 during the March of Dimes WalkAmerica Saturday in Cape County Park North.

Despite rain and wind, participants completed the mile walk around the lake.

First-place 2002 team Nestle Purina raised $3,082, followed by JCPenney in second place and Commerce Bank in third.

First-place walker Debbie Schmittzehe of Nestle Purina raised $644; second-place Carmen Cox, Southeast Missouri Hospital, raised $375; third-place Chris Walker, Nestle Purina, raised $300.

The March of Dimes funds research, community service and educational programs aimed at preventing birth defects and infant mortality.