For Immediate Release
March 13, 2003

OAKLAND, Calif, (March 13, 2003) - Tay Yoshitani, executive director of the Port of Oakland and the 2003 local chairman of the March of Dimes Oakland WalkAmerica, is seeking participation from the business and civic communities in this year’s effort to prevent premature births and birth defects.

Under his stewardship, the Port is soliciting and organizing its own staff and those at other Oakland public agencies and businesses in an effort to raise at least $150,000. Oakland WalkAmerica is scheduled for April 26th at Lake Merritt.

“One in 10 babies born in Alameda County is born prematurely,” Yoshitani said. “Sadly, many of those babies don’t live to see their first birthday. And those who do survive may suffer lifelong consequences, like mental retardation or blindness,” he said.

Raising awareness and prevention of premature birth is the theme of this year’s campaign. The Port’s Community Relations staff is organizing teams to participate and raise money that will help save babies lives.

The March of Dimes committed more than $460,000 in grants in 2002 to Northern California organizations that addressed the needs of local families, women and babies. March of Dimes also allocates approximately $3 million to researchers in Northern California who are working to prevent birth defects and infant mortality.

“Not only will you have fun walking and raising money, there are great incentives for those who raise targeted goal amounts,” Yoshitani said. “Join us in making a difference.”

Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown is the honorary chairman of the Oakland event.

Businesses, agencies and individuals are invited to form a walk team today by contacting one of the following representatives: Monica Tell, 627-1135; Curshanda Cusseaux, 627-1492; or Joanne Holloway, 563-2840 or by registering via the web at www.walkamerica.org. Sponsorship donations are also being accepted.

Contact:
Monica Tell
Port Community Relations
(510) 627-1135
mtell@portoakland.com