Photo courtesy of March of Dimes.

Dallas’ March of Dimes will host its charity walk, March for Babies: A Mother of a Movement, to help close the health equity gap and raise funds for area moms and babies.

This Saturday, April 27, March of Dimes will hold its 54th annual March for Babies: A Mother of a Movement charity walk at Reverchon Park, starting at 9:30 a.m. Participants can begin arriving at 8 a.m. to check in. This year, two routes will be available: a family-friendly one-mile walk with a turnaround at Katy Trail Ice House and a 5k route with a turnaround at Cambrick Plaza.

“We’re really excited to be at this location,” said Beth Knott, the organization’s executive director. “It’s a great place for us to grow and spread out a little bit. It’s got plenty of room and plenty of green grass for people to come enjoy the morning and enjoy the nice atmosphere on the Katy Trail.”

March for Babies is the organization’s largest fundraiser and the nation’s oldest charitable walk, dating back to 1970. Its goal is to raise awareness and improve health outcomes for moms and infants.

“Our country is currently facing a maternal and infant health crisis,” Knott said. “We raise money to change our future and our children’s futures.”

This year, the walk aims to reach its $500,000 goal, with proceeds benefiting March of Dimes. For every dollar, 70 cents goes toward mission programs, 12 cents to fundraising and the rest is allocated to administrative expenses.

This year, the organization’s chair Laura Swaney brings her experience as the division’s vice president of Women’s Health Services and Medical City Healthcare.

In addition to the walk, March for Dimes offers community services, health centers and online resources. Other upcoming events include Signature Chef Fort Worth at River Ranch on Sept. 25 and Signature Dallas will be announced soon. Its Signature Chef Auctions pays respect to the culinary industry. They also organize Breakfast with Champions, an annual event featuring a prominent sports figure in November. While the sports player has not yet been disclosed for this year, Knot hints that it will be someone “everyone will be excited about.”

“I encourage people to come out and enjoy the day,” Knott said about the walk. “Every bit of fundraising helps, so if you want to have fundraising get involved. We’re certainly grateful.”