Fresno State kicked off its campaign to enlist university teams for the March of Dimes – March for Babies when volunteers brought baby pictures of themselves Wednesday, Feb. 8, to a student team’s event in the campus Free Speech Area.

It was the first of several activities to drum up support from students, faculty, staff and others in the university community for the 2012 March of Dimes – March for Babies on April 14 at Woodward Park.

Fresno State President John D. Welty chairs the annual event, which draws marchers from across the central San Joaquin Valley. The April march is cosponsored by Community Medical Centers, Ruiz Foods and Fresno State.

The money raised helps fund research and programs that help babies begin healthy lives.

The Fresno State March for Babies planning committee has been organizing faculty, staff and student groups since fall to participate as teams in the walk. Campus organizers hope to have at least 200 university participants walking in April, said Michelle Melikian, the Fresno State effort’s coordinator.

The “Leaders for Lives” student team organized the first of what Melikian said would be several campus activities promoting the march.

For more information, volunteers may contact Melikian at mmelikian@csufresno.edu or www.facebook.com/FresnoMarchforBabies.