Many make walk a huge success

To the editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of our volunteers, sponsors and walkers who participated in this year's Cape County WalkAmerica. Without these vital persons, the walk would not be what it is today and thousands of babies and families would not be touched by the March of Dimes. To date, we have raised $27,000, a 100 percent increase over 2003's total.

We are working on our 2004 grant candidates and will name the recipient early next year. Seventy-six cents of each dollar raised goes toward our mission and comes back into our community.

This year's major sponsors include:

St. Francis Medical Center, Dana Corp., Foeste Masonry, American Family Insurance, Big River Telephone, Commerce Bank, Dr. John Sauer, Kiwanis Club of Cape Girardeau, Nestle Purina PetCare Co., Southeast Missouri Hospital, KFVS12-UPN The Beat, K103-Kiss 93.9, Central States Coca-Cola, Outback Steakhouse, Southeast Missourian, Biokyowa, Bird & Associates, Cape County Board of Realtors, Capaha Bank, Cape Girardeau County Area Medical Society, Drury Southwest, First Community Bank, First National Bank, Kiefner Brothers, Lowe's, Orthopedic Associates, Prestigious Design, Professional Packaging, St. Vincent School, Artisan Contracting, Blanton Law Firm, Dr. Gary Olson, Leimer & Wessell Construction, Reece Family and Thomas R. Higgins Accounting & Tax Service. To anyone we missed, we apologize, but please know that we are extremely grateful.

I feel extremely blessed that my family resides in such a caring and generous community. Thank you again to all our participants.

CHRISTY RAINS

Southeast Division Director

March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation

Cape Girardeau