BUTLER TWP — A breakfast meeting on Thursday at Butler County Community College kicked off the countdown to this year's March of Dimes' March for Babies.

Representatives from companies and organizations learned how they can support the March for Babies, which will be held May 1 at the BC3 Main Campus. The walk formerly was at Butler Memorial and Alameda parks.

The March of Dimes helps moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives.

Nick Neupauer, BC3 president and 2010 March for Babies co-chair, said in a news release, "Whether you walk to celebrate a baby in your life or to honor one who did not survive, together we can work to prevent premature birth and other infant health problems and look forward to a day when every baby is born healthy and strong."

He is co-chairing the event with his wife, Tammy.

Laura Carlantonio, who lost her infant daughter Alaina because of birth complications in 2007; her husband and their two daughters of Slippery Rock are the Ambassador Family for the county to promote the walk.

Funds raised will support prenatal wellness programs, research grants, neonatal intensive care unit family support programs and advocacy efforts for healthier babies.

To sign up for the walk or to be a sponsor, visit marchforbabies.org, or call 412-505-2200.