Although nationally, March of Dimes has made significant strides in increasing survival rates among newborns, a group of local women from Montgomery Bank want to do more to advance the organization's research.

At a March of Dimes fundraiser today, the women also sought to support local teenagers in the search for the perfect prom dress.

Teens shopped at the second annual Ballgowns for Babies event, helping to raise money to be donated to March of Dimes -- an organization aimed at eliminating birth defects and increasing the life expectancy for babies born prematurely.

More than 100 dresses were donated for the fundraiser at The Venue Event Center, which kicked off with a fashion show featuring 12 ballgowns and prom dresses. Shoppers had from noon to 4 p.m. to browse a variety of dresses -- from A-line to strapless, covered in sequins and beads, to more classic choices, like a gently used little black dress with white ribbon cinched around the waist for style -- all under $100.

"Montgomery Bank has always allowed us to be part of different fundraisers for the March of Dimes," said Linda Horrell, branch manager and event organizer. "We all just have a passion for helping babies. They're near and dear to all of our hearts."

Sisters Tessa, left, and Jackie McNally pick out dresses to try on Sunday, March 7, 2010 during the March of Dimes fundraiser "Ballgowns for Babies" at The Venue in Cape Girardeau. The fundraiser features used and donated gowns for under $100. The March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. (LAURA SIMON)

While narrating the fashion show, Debbie Profilet, a Montgomery Bank March of Dimes team member, said almost two years ago her grandson was born one month premature at 4 pounds, 14 ounces. His lungs were underdeveloped, she said, and he spent nearly two weeks attached to a ventilator to help him breathe.

"He couldn't be held at first," Profilet said. "It is very heart wrenching. He's made a full recovery, though, he's thriving and healthy."

According to March of Dimes, more than 470,000 babies are born prematurely each year, accounting for 12 percent of all live births in the United States. In an average week in Missouri, 194 babies are born premature. Twelve of those babies die before their first birthday.

And while Ballgowns for Babies may not solve the mysteries of premature births, even $100 can make a difference in what March for Dimes aims to accomplish, said Shelly Kaiser, also part of the Montgomery Bank March of Dimes team.

"It costs $250 a day to keep a baby alive on a ventilator," she said, adding that $100 can provide 10 families with the information and support needed to raise a baby born prematurely.

Crystal Carnahan, a Puxico, Mo., high school senior who will be attending her first prom in May, was the first to buy a dress at the event Sunday. After striking out during her first shopping trip, Carnahan was pleased to find an orange iridescent ballgown that she said flattered her figure and complimented her skin tone.

"It makes us feel good that someone actually found a dress that they love," Profilet said.

The event's first purchase took place at Montgomery Bank on Friday, according to the March for Dimes team, while they were organizing their donated items.

"She tried it on and bought it there and even modeled it for our customers," Horrell said. "This is for a great cause and I say, any amount of money you donate is going to help."

ehevern@semissourian.com

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