4
Custom Installed Stages
94
Tents & Popups
373 & 1750
Tables & Chairs
20,000
Walkers
March Across the Nation
This past month, thousands lined the streets clad in purple for support of the March of Dimes across the nation. Advocating for mothers and their babies, they work to ensure that the lives of the youngest and most delicate of people are given the best start possible. The love between a mother and her child is one of the purest forms of love, but that alone cannot save a child from some of the most dangerous conditions preemies and infants face. Instead; mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, friends, and strangers unit together to drive research and fund care to fight for those who are fighting for their lives.
80 Years of Good
For the past 80 years, March of Dimes has helped individuals and institutions from around the country join together to take the first steps on behalf of over half a million mothers and babies. Fighting for vacations, like that which eradicated polio, the March of Dimes has made valiant strides in helping the next generation reach their own first steps.
Getting Started
When their representatives reached out to us in December, we were delighted to assist with this noble cause. Our event managers went to work with the coordinators from March of Dimes to get the walks organized from coast to coast. First would be the Los Angeles chapter. Their walk would be on 4/27, just one day from Chicago’s on 4/28 and then it was back to California for the walk in Orange County. A lot had to be coordinated, prepared, and set up in a short amount of time!
Los Angeles March for Babies
For the Los Angeles March for Babies; Over 25 tents, 1 large 16’ x 24’ stage, 130 tables, 500 chairs, and a children’s play area were arranged along with sound/electrical and power packages to drive it all. Sanitation, labor, and extra care for fire and safety were also arranged for the 10,000 walkers expected. Because of the location of the walk in Los Angeles, the logistics for the water placement, sound amplification, and security required additional logistical management. The location of business buildings meant that amplified sound had special time restraints as not to disrupt the workers. After all, some of those workers may be sleep deprived parents themselves!
LA Supports Babies
During the registration, family teams, tailgate, and near the children’s play area a LED screen played the March of Dimes video on loop. Two more screens were set up by the stage playing videos on loop to support speakers such as Channel 4 News’ Daniella Guzman and Telemundo 52’s Dunia Elvir. Support also came from the City of Ontario, Adventist Health White Memorial, Cedars-Sinai, Huntington Hospital, and Fairplex, among many others.
Making the World a Better Place
Official vehicles, usually free of any branding or marketing to keep the focus on our clients, were marked for security. Power cords were painstakingly secured and covered for the safety of workers, volunteers, and walkers. A bilingual MC established excellent communication for all guests. Drinking water was statistically placed for walkers and workers alike, and a dedicated cleanup crew guaranteed the streets were cleaned thoroughly. After all, we want to leave the world a better place for those babies when they grow up!
Chicago March for Babies
For the Chicago March for Babies; 30 tents (many with sidewalls), 143 tables, 550 chairs, 2 stages, 9 arch tents, 30 barricades, sound set up, power, and entertainment for children were brought in. 4 Bouncers, 3 Face Painters, 3 Balloon Artists, and a DJ kept the children (and kids at heart) entertained while security looked over everyone.
Remembrance Garden
Set up began the day before, while the Los Angeles walk was taking place. Our event manager, Denise, coordinated the crew as unexpected late snow fell over Chicago. With 4,000-5,000 walkers expected, this was a big set up that kept everyone moving. A memorial garden was set with a white picket fence, the stages were built, trussing installed, tents erected, barricades strategically placed and sanitation rooms set up. The next morning, in the frosty air, bounce houses were inflated, DJ prepped, traffic control in place, catering brought in, and the final details placed.
Food to Fuel
Catering for the special guests was set in three tents. Hot cocoa, coffee, and apple cider warmed the chilly Chicagoans while a Midwestern breakfast was prepared on site. The menu included Santa Fe Scrambled Eggs, Biscuits, Bacon, Sausage, Roasted Potatoes with Vegetables, Fresh Cut Fruit Salad, and the fixings. Warm, full bellies ensured the day, though chilly, would be off to a great start. Heaters were also brought in to combat the freshly fallen snow. Despite the 30 degree weather, walkers turned out dressed for the occasion.
Orange County March for Babies
For the Orange County March for Babies; Over 30 tents, 100 Tables, 250 Chairs, 1 stage with custom printed logo banners, kids play area, and audiovisual to power it all. The kid’s play area included a bouncer, toddler play center and inflatable slide. Set up began on Friday with the walk on Saturday. Stage, family team areas, fun zone, food booths, and sponsors tents were erected and secured. By Saturday’s walk, water stations were placed, sound check confirmed, and staff on standby from management using walkie talkies for instant communication.
6,000 Walkers
Beautiful blue skies greeted the 6,000 participants in their running shoes. Registration was quick and efficient, getting the walkers, sprinters, and runners in their places. Ready for the Superhero Sprint, runners lined up under the purple and white balloon arch reach for the signal. Support poured from individuals and businesses communities alike with Cisco, Memorial Care, Delta Sigma Theta, Cigna, Department of Motor Vehicles, OC Fair and Event Center, UCI Health, and more showing their support.
What a March!
What a fantastic turn out March for Babies had! We met with many passionate people, who regardless of their placement through the finish line, triumphed in their support for mothers and their babies from all over the nation. We went from Los Angeles to Chicago and finished back in OC, though this was only a small sample of the national event. The March for Babies took place all over the country from coast to coast. We were proud to play a part in supporting the motherhood and infants across the United States. For help planning your event, contact our team of professionals using the form below.
See More Events
Plan Your Corporate Event Today