The 14th annual Gators March for Babies walk began under a pink, purple and white balloon arch as the “Rocky” theme, “Gonna Fly Now,” played overhead.
On Sunday afternoon, the organization had raised about $60,000 for the March of Dimes, about the same as the last year, said Andrea Cabassa, the president of Gators March for Babies. The money goes to support premature babies in hospitals and research for new technology. Cabassa said people are still sending money in through checks.
This year’s walk had interactive booths, including face-painting, raffles and photobooths, the 20-year-old said. Attendees also decorated cards for parents of premature babies staying in UF Health Shands Hospital. About 1,000 people registered to attend the event, Cabassa said. About 500 people attended.
Cabassa, a UF psychology junior, said she has been volunteering for the March of Dimes since she was in high school. Her younger cousin was born at 28 weeks old, and developed cerebral palsy as a result.
“He really inspired me to fight for babies that can’t fight for themselves,” she said.
Perri Lyles, a 23-year-old UF business administration senior, said she participated in the event for the first time with the Dancin’ Gators. She said she was excited to support the cause.
“I just wanted to make sure that the children and the babies of these families are getting everything they need,” she said.
