Christina S. Melton, Superintendent, Lexington Richland Five School District to lead March for Babies as 2019 Chair
January 8, 2019
Christina S. Melton, Ed.D. will serve as the chair for Midlands March for Babies. Dr. Melton is committed to helping March of Dimes continue funding research and community programs to help more moms have full-term pregnancies and strong babies. March for Babies will take place on Friday, April 26 at Spirit Communications Park in Columbia.
Dr. Melton’s career includes roles as classroom teacher, school administrator, district administrator. Since 2018 she has served as Superintendent in School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties. As a district administrator, she and her team have created innovative instructional and professional development models which have attracted state and national attention.
“As a mother, grandmother and an educator, I can’t think of a more important cause, than to fight for the health of all moms and babies.” Dr. Melton says. “When you join March for Babies, you make a statement that you want to live in a world in which healthy moms and strong babies are a priority for us all.”
“We’re thrilled to have Dr. Melton serve in this leadership role as our March for Babies chair,” says Ashley Edmunds, Senior Development Manager. She shares our commitment to moms through every stage of the pregnancy journey, even when everything doesn’t go according to plan. Moms and babies are facing higher risks than ever before. March for Babies is a day for everyone to help change that by coming together and participating nationwide.”
Additional members of the March for Babies 2019 Executive Leadership Team include Chuck Whipple, Jay Hamm, Kathy Griffin, Marcus Jones, Karen Owens, Cayce Hendrix, Kelly Glynn, and Matt Gams.
Dr. Melton is asking local businesses and community leaders to join her in support of March for Babies. “The number of babies born prematurely in South Carolina and across the country is not acceptable,” she says “Raising money for March for Babies can help our community change this statistic.”
Last year Midlands March for Babies raised more than $340,000 and March of Dimes hopes to surpass this amount in 2019 with a goal of $375,000. Every March for Babies participant can make a huge difference for families. Individuals, families and teams can register at marchforbabies.org. The Team Captain Kick Off Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, February 12th at Seawell’s. The luncheon will include a short program to introduce Dr. Melton and the 2019 Ambassadors, the Greenwood family, and to provide teams the opportunity to pick up fundraising materials and learn how to lead a successful team.
This year’s March for Babies event will be held on Friday evening, April 26th at Spirit Communications Park.
March for Babies is sponsored nationally by Kmart, Famous Footwear, Macy’s, HCA, Cigna and, and regionally by Publix Super Markets, Inc. Local sponsors include Aflac, BlueCross BlueShield, Michelin, Prisma Health, AgFirst, WACH Fox 57, B106.7 FM , and Palmetto Parent.
About March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nace
