Blue Jeans For Babies Day

EAST HARTFORD — On Thursday, November 9, hundreds of companies and thousands of participants throughout the state will “dress down” for the 9th annual Blue Jeans for Babies Day in support of the March of Dimes.

Last year, over 500 companies registered and raised $123,000. The Connecticut goal this year is $132,000 with local corporations, businesses, and schools as the target audience. Some of the corporate participants include Aetna, Allstate, Connecticut State Lottery, Department of Corrections, and Sears, as well as many local schools. These organizations will participate by allowing their employees or students to enjoy one casual day to support the March of dimes to prevent birth defects and infant mortality.

For a nominal fee, participants are asked to purchase a button that allows them to wear blue jeans to work or school on November 9. Alternate dates are available if more convenient. All participants are eligible for prize drawings and incentives.

“It’s a comfortable and fun fundraiser in which everyone can participate,” said Special Events Coordinator Ann Futterknecht.

Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality.

For information about how to be involved in Blue Jeans for Babies, contact the Connecticut Chapter of the March of Dimes at 860/290-5440 or 800/446-9255, or visit the march of Dimes home page on the World Wide Web at www.modimes.org.