Celebrating healthy babies at March of Dimes March for Babies

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The March of Dimes is one of the leading nonprofit organizations for pregnant mothers and the health of their babies. To support their cause, nearly 10,000 Chicagoans are walking along the city's Lakefront on April 24, 2016 at the March for Babies. The goal is to raise $1.4 million for the March of Dimes' mission to prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

March for Babies started in 1970. The funds raised are used for community-based educational programs, advocacy and research to find the causes and cure for premature birth. In Chicago, 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely. ABC 7 Eyewitness News joined the Chairman of the Lakefront March for Babies, Jim Kolar, and 2016 March of Dimes National Ambassador, Ismael Torres-Castrodad live from the March for Babies to find out all the ways the fundraiser helps.

Lakefront March for Babies

Date: Sunday, April 24, 2016

Hours: Registration: 7:30 a.m. walk begins: 8:30 a.m.

Address: Grant Park - Butler Field 330 E. Monroe St. Chicago

Admission: Registration is free

There are several more Walk for Babies events coming up. You can go to http://www.marchforbabies.org to find another walk near you.

Sign up for other events throughout the year at http://www.marchofdimes.org/Illinois