SENECA — Hunter Kome, vice president of operations at Oconee Medical Center, will serve as chair for the 2010 March for Babies, the March of Dimes biggest fundraiser.

Kome said he is committed to helping reach the event goal of $72,000 to support March of Dimes research and community programs to help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies to begin healthy lives.

The Oconee County March for Babies will take place April 24 at Norton-Thompson Park.

“My family, like many others, has experienced firsthand the impact of prematurity,” Kome said. “In these difficult economic times, it’s more important than ever that we have a great campaign in Oconee County to allow the March of Dimes to continue its important work for babies across South Carolina.

“We don’t want the March of Dimes to have to cut back on research and community education programs that save babies’ lives,” Kome said. “I’m confident that the residents and businesses of Oconee County will step up and make this year’s March for Babies successful.”

In his role at OMC, Kome collaborates with many other organizations and businesses. As chairman of the March for Babies, he will help recruit volunteers to plan a successful event and raise funds for March of Dimes. Several volunteers have already joined the effort including: Chris Stoecklein, Covidien; Michael Leonard, Eagle Media; Megan Chavis, Carolina First; Glenn Buddin, Blue Ridge Bank; Louise Bailey, Schneider Electric; Angie Long, Sandvik; Peter LeRoy, Dynamic Fluid Components; Howard Hofer, Cryovac/Sealed Air and Mark and Melody Thompson, Quality Coffee.

“We are honored to have Hunter chair this year’s March for Babies,” said Jeanne Ward, president and CEO of OMC. “When our leaders publicly stand with a cause they support, they show the whole community the value of volunteer service and community involvement.”

The most urgent infant health problem in the U.S. today is premature birth. It affects more than half a million babies each year, with the number growing every day. The March of Dimes is committed to reducing this toll by funding research to find the answers to premature birth and providing comfort and information to families who are affected.

“I’m serving as the 2010 Chair for March for Babies because I believe in the work being done by the March of Dimes,” Kome said. “If we can help a child arrive healthy, we’ve had a positive impact not just on that baby, but their family and our society.”

In 2009 the South Carolina March of Dimes has invested $1.5 million in program services, including research grants and local community services.

The Oconee County March for Babies is sponsored by OMC, Eagle Media and WGOG. The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.