Murray kicks off March for Babies Walk

Town Supervisor Kate Murray kicked off the Hempstead Town 2013 March for Babies program on March 12 with a team of volunteers at Town Hall. This year marks the town’s 15th year as a participant in the March of Dimes and Murray’s 11th year as honorary chairwoman for the March for Babies Walk scheduled for April 28.

The Vardakis family, formerly of Franklin Square and now living in Maryland, joined Murray in the March for Babies kickoff event. Andrew, a member of the United States Coast Guard, and Allison Vardakis shared their experience in dealing with the premature birth of their daughter, Holly.

“I thank our dedicated employees, and their family members and friends for helping us protect the health of our babies by supporting the March of Dimes,” Murray said. “We are especially inspired this year because of our mission family, Andrew and Allison Vardakis, who introduced us to their beautiful daughter, Holly, who is a living example of how the efforts of our volunteers really do support the health of babies.”

March of Dimes Community Director Amanda Fennell also presented Murray with a plaque of recognition at the kickoff for raising nearly $14,000 in 2012.

“At CSEA Local 880 [Town of Hempstead’s employee labor union], we are always excited to work with the dedicated team of volunteers from the Town of Hempstead to help promote the health of babies by supporting the March of Dimes,” said CSEA Local 880 President Charlie Sellitto. “We expect to have another successful year as we gear up for the March for Babies Walk.”

Murray said she is especially excited about the Walk and is delighted to be partnered with CSEA and March of Dimes.

“I am proud of our continuing relationship in the fight against prematurity,” Murray said. “I look forward to leading our team at the 2013 March for Babies Walk on April 28th.”