March of Dimes will be hosting an event at Gulf Coast Town Center on Nov. 17 to promote World Prematurity Day and to raises awareness for preventing premature birth.
“We are looking to raise more awareness for our cause and other events we have,” said Chelsea O’Keefe, community director for March of Dimes’ Southwest Coast Division. “We will be collecting funds and having local businesses doing give backs, but the main focus is around awareness.”
Foster’s Grille will be participating in the event from 5 to 8 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from each meal purchased during that time will be donated to March of Dimes. GCTC has agreed to change its streetlights to purple in honor of March of Dimes’ signature color.
Other restaurants and retailers have also agreed to give back by raising money or decorating their businesses. These include Forema, The Keys Bar and Grill and the Cigar Bar. More retailers may be added as March of Dimes is still discussing options with other businesses in GCTC to increase participation. All money raised goes directly to March of Dimes.
“We are always looking for volunteers to help,” O’Keefe said. “The main thing we are looking for people to do is be aware of all the [fundraisers] we have in the area and participate in one or all of them.”
Throughout Florida, March of Dimes holds other events such as the March for Babies walk in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties; Bikers for Babies statewide and the Signature Chefs Auction in Lee and Collier.
There will be an informational booth about March of Dimes in the market plaza at GCTC between House of Brewz and Game Time. This booth will be used to spread awareness about the cause prior to and during the night of the event. For more information and how to become involved, visit the March of Dimes website.