Sunny skies kept spirits bright at the annual Bradford March of Dimes March for Babies event held on Sunday.

Almost 200 people from around the area turned out for the event, which began at 11 a.m. at Callahan Park and marched the 3.5 miles to raise money and awareness for health problems that affect infants.

Event coordinator Brenda Zock said the event had already brought in more than $23,000 by the end of the walk and said that more money is expected.

“We have already made over $23,000, and I am fairly certain that we will make our goal of $25,000,” Zock said. She explained that several local workplaces will match the amount their individual employees donated to the cause.

Aside from the success of raising funds at the event, Zock said she was incredibly pleased with the high amount of participants.

“The turnout was fantastic. I believe the beautiful weather played a factor in drawing out just under 200 people. We also had some added attractions and activities for families,” Zock said.

Zock has been involved as the community director for the Warren and McKean counties March of Dimes chapter for the last four years.

“In the four years I have been there this weather has been the most remarkable. It has either rained or snowed all the other years,” Zock said. 

Of the new additions to this year’s event, Zock mentioned that Zippo Manufacturing Co. and W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. had donated prizes that they gave away for spinning a prize wheel. Balloon animals were being made by Micah Heath and other children’s games were made available at the park by sisters-in-law Barb Shurilla and Cindy Woodring, along with their families, who were chosen to represent this year’s campaign by serving as March of Dimes ambassadors. 

Members of Alpha Phi Omega (Alpha Beta Rho chapter) at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford painted faces in cheerful colors at the event. 

Zock said the money raised by walkers goes to support research into ailments like Spinal Muscular Atrophy and other birth defects which threaten the lives of infants. 

“We do this because we want all babies to be born healthy. We don’t want families to have to go through the pain that others already have,” Zock said. 

Zock emphasized the major role the event committee played in making the day a success.

“I especially want to thank the committee. This year they did a phenomenal job of pulling everything together. I am very thankful for them,” said Zock.