BOWLS FOR BABIES AIMS TO PREVENT INFANT PREMATURITY

10th Annual March of Dimes Event Smashes Previous Fundraising Record

The 10th Annual March of Dimes Bowls for Babies luncheon held December 5 at the Ramada Plaza and Suites in Fargo hosted more than 1,200 guests and fundraising efforts yielded over $50,000.

This year’s event chair, Dr. Melissa McCulley, was charged with securing business sponsors to paint bowls. Having previously participated as owner of McCulley Optix Gallery, she was thrilled when asked to chair.

“Many local businesses, like Gate City Bank and Essentia Health, our main sponsors, have a bowl painting contest,” said McCulley. “It really makes your inner artist shine and your creativity soar to paint a bowl.”

A silent auction was held where the Best of the Best bowls were up for bid.

“Seventy percent of all money raised stays in North Dakota,” said Ashley Gerner, Community Director for the North Dakota chapter of the March of Dimes. “The funds go directly into educational programming and advocacy to ensure that babies are born healthy and not prematurely.”

Guests paid $20 for admission, were able to choose a handmade bowl, and sampled soup, bread and desserts from local restaurants.

“I think knowing that there is a line outside the door an hour before the event starts speaks volumes to the community support of this event,” said McCulley. [AWM]

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