For Immediate Release
September 17, 2003

Oakland, Calif. (September 16, 2003) - The Port of Oakland today announced that it raised $47,256 for the March of Dimes annual WalkAmerica fund-raiser. In addition, the Port was ranked #9 team and "Rookie of the Year" in the Bay area region. On a larger scale, the Port ranked #11 overall throughout Northern California.

As the March of Dimes largest fund-raiser, WalkAmerica supports lifesaving research and innovative programs that save babies from prematurity, birth defects, and other infant health problems. Since 1970, WalkAmerica has raised more than $1 billion to help give babies a fighting chance. WalkAmerica takes place in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico; most events are held at the end of April.

"The Port of Oakland is committed to helping the March of Dimes in its efforts to prevent birth defects and infant mortality," said Port of Oakland Executive Director Tay Yoshitani. "Our employees understand the importance of fundraising for mothers and their babies-to help create a healthier future for everyone."

In addition to the Port of Oakland, Yoshitani also recruited the following fund-raising teams: FedEx, PG&E, Matson Navigation Co., Gallagher and Burke, and Wells Fargo. The overall total donated by these groups to the March of Dimes was $72,228.

"Tay Yoshitani and the Port of Oakland were phenomenal in their participation and support of this year's WalkAmerica," said Karyn DeMartini, Executive Director of March of Dimes Bay Area division. "By supporting WalkAmerica, they are helping the March of Dimes find answers to why, each year, over 467,250 babies born in the U.S. are born too soon, too small, and too sick."

WalkAmerica in Oakland at Lake Merritt this past April helped the March of Dimes Bay Area Division raise more than $1.5 million with 32% year-over-year growth. The Oakland walk had the largest year-over-year percentage increase of all fourteen walk sites in Northern California with a 108% increase. WalkAmerica broke previous records in Northern California by raising over $4.1 million.

The Port of Oakland also received a 2nd Place Award in the Oakland March of Dimes T-shirt contest.

About the Port of Oakland
Last year, the Port of Oakland celebrated its 75th anniversary as the fourth largest container port in the nation. Established in 1927 as an independent department of the City of Oakland, the Port spans 19 miles of waterfront, which includes Jack London Square, more than 900 acres of maritime terminal facilities, and the Oakland International Airport.

About the March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a five-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com, its Spanish Web site at www.nacersano.org, or call 1-888-MODIMES.

Contact:
Harold Jones
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1564
hjones@portoakland.com

Julie Lenden
March of Dimes
(415) 217-6368
jlenden@marchofdimes.com