March for Babies fundraising event planned in Grand Forks Published March 29, 2012 By Senior Airman Luis Loza Gutierrez 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A Grand Forks Air Force Base sergeant who is organizing a team for a March of Dimes fundraising walk in late April knows first-hand just how important that organization can be. "Our son, Matthias, was born premature at 26 weeks gestational age," said Staff Sgt. Tabatha Lugo. "He was barely two pounds, and was a little more than 13 inches long. If it weren't for the research done by the March of Dimes, babies at that age would not stand a chance." Lugo, a six-year Air Force veteran from Edinburg, Ill., is inviting military community members to join the April 28, 2012, "March for Babies," at the Grand Cities Mall at 1726 South Washington Street in the city of Grand Forks. "The purpose of the March for Babies is to raise funds and awareness in support of the March of Dimes. The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality," Lugo said "Our goal is to raise $5,000 in support of the March of Dimes and for the base to show a big presence at the walk in order to demonstrate our support to the community." To join the march, register here. "This event is open to all military members, dependents, adults and kids. Everyone is welcomed," said Lugo. On-site registration begins at 9 a.m. and the march begins at 10 a.m. Funds raised during the March for Babies will be used to support the mission of the March of Dimes, which is broken down into four components: research, advocacy, education, and community service.