Steppin’ Out For Our Babies

The Steppin’ Out For Our Babies event is presented by the March of Dimes and Perry Memorial Hospital. Supporting sponsors are Bruce Jewelers and Citizens First National Bank. Pictured are Rex Conger (from left) representing Perry, Gary Bruce of Bruce Jewelers and Tom Ogaard of Citizens. (BCR photo/Donna Barker)

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PRINCETON — The kick-off for the March of Dimes’ season begins locally Thursday with “Steppin Out For Our Babies” in Princeton.

“Steppin Out For Our Babies” co-chairman Peggy Cain said Thursday’s event will be an evening of fun, food and auctions at Wise Guys Bar and Grill. The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m., with tastings and a silent auction from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. A special ceremony will be held from 7 to 7:30 p.m., followed by a live auction which is expected to last until 9 p.m.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door, Cain said. Tickets are available at Citizens First National Bank’s main branch, Centrue Bank’s north branch, or by calling the LaSalle office of the March of Dimes at (815) 223-3221.

The 12 restaurants participating in the kick-off are Anna Maria’s Pizza of Princeton, Brewmaster’s Supper Club of Putnam, Chestnut Street Inn of Sheffield, Julie’s Corner Store of Lacon, Kramer’s Kitchen and The Light Post Restaurant, both of Princeton, Main Street BBQ of Wyanet, Sweeties Carmel Creations of Princeton, Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center of Utica, Townsend Coffee House and Cafe of Princeton, ZBest Cafe on Main of Sheffield, and Wise Guys of Princeton.

Emcee for the evening ceremony is Tommy Rose. Also sharing in the ceremony will be Matt and Mandy Allard, who will tell their personal story and how they became involved with March of Dimes, Cain said.

Other highlights for the evening include an amethyst and diamond pendant raffle, sponsored by Bruce Jewelers, a heads or tails 50/50 games, and both live and silent auctions.

Live auction items include, in part, an overnight stay and gourmet dinner at Chestnut Street Inn, a sky diving package, and White Sox and Cubs tickets. Silent auction items include, in part, a couple’s massage at Sophisticuts in Princeton, handmade blankets and jewelry, and sports tickets.

Cain is working with co-chairperson Lori Boekeloo, and the kick-off committee in working on the details of Thursday’s event. On a personal note, Cain said she had a niece who was born premature and knows firsthand what a family goes through with premature babies.

“Steppin Out For Our Babies” is presented with the March of Dimes by Perry Memorial Hospital. Supporting sponsors are Citizens First National Bank and Bruce Jewelers.

The annual March of Dimes March for Babies walk is set for April 18, beginning at Darius Miller Park. Revenue raised by the various March of Dimes fundraisers go to research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies’ lives, Cain said.

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