WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., March 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nine national corporations as diverse as airlines, insurance companies and retailers have one thing in common: They're aligning their brands with a cause that's important to their employees' and community's hearts – the health of babies.

The March of Dimes announced that its signature fundraiser, March for Babies, will be sponsored by its number one corporate supporter, Kmart, and top sponsors Farmers Insurance Group, Macy's, Cigna, Sanofi Pasteur, Famous Footwear, Actavis, Mission Pharmacal, and United Airlines.

"These corporate partners know the importance and value of supporting March of Dimes efforts for healthier moms and babies," says Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. "These companies, and especially their employees, realize that March for Babies helps build company morale, while raising funds that give babies a better chance for a healthy start in life. We couldn't fulfill our mission without their support."

This year's March for Babies will take place in most communities nationwide April 27 and 28. To join a March for Babies event near you, visit marchforbabies.org

The money raised by March for Babies events supports research, education, and community-based programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies. March of Dimes grantees conduct research to find answers to the problems that threaten the health of babies.

In 2013, the March of Dimes celebrates its 75^th anniversary and its ongoing work to help babies get a healthy start in life.  Early research led to the Salk and Sabin polio vaccines that all babies still receive.  Other breakthroughs include new treatments for premature infants and children with birth defects. About 4 million babies are born each year in the United States, and the March of Dimes helps each and every one.

"For three decades, Kmart has been committed to March for Babies and improving children's health and wellness," said Ron Boire, executive vice president, chief merchandising officer and president, Sears and Kmart Formats. "Year-after-year, our associates, customers and SHOP YOUR WAY REWARDS(SM) Members embrace the driving principle on which the March of Dimes was founded - many people giving a little can make a huge impact."

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

SOURCE March of Dimes