Gators March for Babies met a record-high fundraising goal of $100,000 Sunday at the 10th annual Gators March for Babies 5K on campus.
“This was the highest we’ve ever raised by a lot,” said Kyle Croft, community director for Alachua County March of Dimes.
The previous record high for fundraising was about $80,000.
Croft said about 600 people participated in the walk.
Earlier this month, the March of Dimes released its annual Premature Birth Report Card and gave Florida a “D” grade. Croft said the low grade made this year’s fundraising even more important than in previous years.
“It just really highlights the importance of what we’re doing and why we need to keep working for the babies,” Croft said.
Stephan Perets, director of Interfraternity Council recruitment for Gators March for Babies, said he was proud of how the event turned out.
“I feel like we couldn’t have done a better job,” said the 21-year-old building construction management junior. “Everything went well and we’ve reached our goal, which is already $20,000 more than our best year. Being able to raise money for a cause like that just makes me feel really good.”
A version of this story ran on page 9 on 11/26/2013 under the headline "Gators March for Babies reaches goal of $100,000"
