Superhero

In a time when a large amount of the financial news is about loss, one thing that’s shown an increase is how much Eastern Oregon Superheroes raised to help every baby be born healthy. On July 14^th and 15^th Pendleton’s and Hermiston’s leading citizens came together once again for the annual March of Dimes Jail and Bail, and this year they collectively raised 35% more than last year.

More people raised more money this year; and that’s not easy to do.

In Pendleton
On July 14^th the people of Pendleton raised $7,256 at the Superhero Jail and Bail, which is 32% more than in 2009. Jim Schlenker was the top Superhero raising $1,000 or more; and three others raised over $400 each: Ellen Johnson, Barbara Wright and Sandy Lavelle.

In Hermiston
On July 15^th the people of Hermiston raised $14,781 at their Superhero Jail and Bail. That’s 38% more than last year. The top Superhero in Hermiston was Chris Carter who, with the matching gift from U.S. Cellular, will raise nearly $1,000. Ten others raised over $500 each: Ray Kopacz, Patrick Hart, Josh Lankford, Joe Hodge, Steve Ferraro, Sandy Hinds, Tom Shimp, Rich Schmidt, Reta Larson, and Ilene Curtis.

The money raised from both events will support life-saving research and education funded by March of Dimes to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.