MERRILLVILLE | Lake County families and their friends will be taking off their sneakers and putting on their marching shoes next month.

The Lake County March for Babies Kick-Off Party is set for 6 p.m. Thursday in the Rio Ballroom at The Resorts East Chicago Casino and Hotel.

Formerly known as WalkAmerica, March for Babies is the March of Dimes' largest fundraising event that benefits all babies n those born healthy as well as those who need help to survive and thrive. The name has changed, but the goal remains the same - walking for the health of all babies.

The kick-off is open to all team captains and those interested in starting a team for the 2008 Lake County March for Babies, which will take place April 27 at Highland High School. At the kick-off, team captains will receive kits with March for Babies fundraising information for their team. Team captains are also invited to bring a door prize that represents their company. Refreshments will be served, and there will be games with prizes. The grand prize will be two tickets to the March of Dimes annual Signature Chef's Gala, valued at $250.

The Lake County March for Babies Ambassador family for 2008 is Kevin and Allison Cheeseman, with Allison serving as Chair for this year's Lake County March for Babies event. She is also the proud Mom of five children, one of which was born premature. Nathan weighed just 2 lbs and 9 oz. when born March 27, 2007. In addition, Allison is the captain for Team Cheese.

The Lake County March for Babies is being sponsored by Kmart, Cigna, Farmers, FedEx, Famous Footwear, Liberty Tax Services, nesting.com, Grains for Life, Continental Airlines, Methodist Hospitals, Strack and Van Til Supermarkets, Levin BMW and Tech Credit Union.

To reserve a seat at the kick-off, call the March of Dimes Northwest Indiana office in Merrillville at (219) 736-0023.

- For The Times