Walks raise funds for MOD

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Walkers will hit the pavement Sunday, May 20, raising funds for the March of Dimes.
“The March of Dimes works to prevent birth defects. WalkAmerica is an annual fund-raising event held in communities across the country, with proceeds going for continued research in that area,” said Peggy Bugbee, chairperson of the local March of Dimes Steering Committee.
    Registration will take place at the University of Maine at Presque Isle Campus Center, beginning at 10 a.m., with the walk starting at 11 a.m.
“We’ll take the bike path and travel approximately three miles, using the same route as last year – go to Chapman Road, walk to Riverside, head to North Street, then follow the bike path back to UMPI,” said Bugbee.
Local March of Dimes sponsors this year include Maine Mutual Group who recently presented a donation to organizers, K-Mart with its ‘purchase a sneaker’ campaign to raise funds for the non-profit organization and Pizza Hut who donated a percentage of sales to MOD on April 23 when patrons used specific coupons.
At the end of the walk, participants will be honored with a cookout.
“The Presque Isle Elks will provide hotdogs and chips following the walk. At the end, door prizes will be awarded, with prizes going to the top adult, boy and girl walkers,” said Bugbee.
Anyone interested in participating can register the day of the event or can do so by visiting www.walkamerica.org. For more information, contact Bugbee at 455-8141.
The event will be held rain or shine.
As with previous years, Bugbee expects participants from Presque Isle and other communities.
“We have people who participate from the Caribou area as well,” said Bugbee.
A second walk will take place the same day, beginning at 2 p.m. in Houlton. Valerie Pelletier is the organizer of that event and can be reached at 532-4277.