March for Babies

Join us as we celebrate moms, babies and families at our 2026 March for Babies community walk!

All are welcome as we put our fight for the health of all moms and babies center stage. Let's walk to celebrate healthy babies, NICU grads, babies on-the-way or still just a thought. We’ll also honor babies born preterm or with birth defects and pay tribute to moms and babies we’ve lost. As a March for Babies community, we’re better together. We’re stronger together. We're louder together. Register today and help us raise money for the fight! 

Here’s how the day will unfold:

ALL DAY
Stop by the Advocacy area to take a stand with moms and babies, and learn about our Stork’s Nest and Project Alpha partner initiatives. Food trucks will be on-site throughout the event. We have face painting and mini-golf, a reunion for NICU grads, and for walkers who are participating in remembrance of a lost loved one, there’s a special place to honor and remember. 

8 a.m. - Visit the Welcome Area for items to help make the most of your day.

9 a.m. - Fairytale Friends arrive! Meet princesses, super heroes, and a fabulously friendly wicked witch

9:15 a.m. - Opening program including, greetings from UAW and Ford and our 2026 Ambassador Family. We’ll announce the Divine Nine Team of the Year, National Service Partner of the Year, UAW Ford team recognitions, Purple Pet Contest Winner, Circle of Champions and more. Then get set for our Super Hero Sprint and the Purple Pet Parade plus a high-energy warm up to start the walk.

10 a.m. - Let’s walk! One loop around the park = ½ mile. Circle the park as many times as you’d like to get in all your steps for the day. 

11:30 a.m. - Giveaways! 

Noon - March for Babies ends, but the park will still be open for your enjoyment.

Volunteers needed!

This is a great opportunity for individuals or groups who want to help bring March of Dimes mission to life. We'll provide recognition of volunteer time for students or others who need proof of community service hours. Sign up to help out today!

Day-before-event set up 

(Noon - 5 p.m.) Help set up areas of the event, which could include unloading supplies, placing/hanging signage, decorating tables, setting up activity stations, mission touch points, and other event areas. 

Morning-of-event set up

(6 - 8 a.m.) Help set up areas of the event, which could include unloading supplies, placing/hanging signage, decorating tables, setting up activity stations, mission touch points, and other event areas. 

Event registration

(7:45 - 11 a.m.) Check-in and register guests for the event, distribute goodie bags, etc., and help direct participants to various areas of the event. 

Day-of-event

(8 a.m. – Noon) Depending on interests and experience, volunteers may serve by distributing snacks or materials, signing up individuals for advocacy opportunities, assisting with gameplay, directing participants, or a variety of other roles.

Event breakdown

(11:30 - 2:30 p.m.) Help us restore Roosevelt Park to its pre-event appearance by clearing away leftover items, packing up materials, assisting with breakdown of tables, chairs, etc. as necessary, and general clean up.

March for Babies brings people together through events across the country and online while raising critical funds to tackle America's maternal and infant health crisis—one person, one community, and one step at a time. More than a yearly walk, March for Babies is a community. Families, friends, and co-workers can connect while raising critical funds for research, education, advocacy, and programs and services so moms and babies get the best possible start. Because together, each step forward leads to a healthy future for us all. March for Babies. Every step counts!