POINT PLEASANT — Babies are the future.

And the March of Dimes represents hope for all babies, working to improve their health by supporting research to prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Plans are already under way for the March of Dimes’ signature fundraising event, the Tri-County March for Babies walk. The event, which is slated for May 2, will take place at Point Pleasant’s Krodel Park. According to Terry Eller, community director for the Tri-County March for Babies, nearly 150 walkers from Mason, Gallia and Meigs counties participated in last year’s walk, which raised $40,000.

According to Eller, the March for Dimes is vital because of everything it does to help babies, including infants born prematurely. In addition, those who have received a polio vaccine and babies who have received lung surfactant therapy to treat respiratory distress syndrome have been helped by the organization. Those who are aware that alcohol, street drugs and tobacco use during pregnancy may cause serious birth defects; that folic acid may help prevent neutral tube defects of the brain and spinal cord; and those who know the signs of pre-term labor and what to do if it happens also have been aided by the March of Dimes.

Currently, Eller is organizing the March for Babies kick-off, which she said will take place later this month. Several teams have already began fundraising efforts for this year’s walk as well. According to Eller, the “Dancers for Dimes” team will have its annual Prom Dress Sale fundraiser from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Feb. 20. The sale will take place at the Ohio River Dance Studio, located at Christ Academy School in Camp Conley.

Old dresses can be sold in the sale. There is a $5 non-refundable entry fee (per dress), and all entry fee proceeds will directly benefit the March for Babies walk. Those who enter dresses also can earn some extra cash. Other than the entry feel, requirements to sell a dress are to set a price (or range) for the item and to bring the dress in a bag or box for protection. Unsold dresses will be returned. Dresses may be dropped off at Christ Academy from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18 and Friday, Feb. 19. For more information, contact Gale at 304-882-3378 or Charlotte at 304-895-3617.

As March for Babies teams continue to form and organize events more fundraisers will take place. Eller encouraged teams to make their events public.

“If your team is planning anything that outsiders can attend, please send them on to me and I will forward them on. Thank you for your support,” she said.

For more information on the March of Dimes and Tri-County March for Babies walk, contact Eller at 304-720-2229, 304-675-6029 or via e-mail at teller678@suddenlink.net. More information on the March of Dimes also is available on the Web sites, www.marchforbabies.com and www.marchofdimes.com.