On April 29, thousands of businesses and families congregated at Zoo Knoxville for the annual March for Babies event organized by the March of Dimes.

The organization reached out to a nearby Planet Fitness^®, which quickly agreed to become a local sponsor. The PF^® club, owned by Meridian Enterprises, provided water bottles and banners for the event.

“We want to do everything we can to support our community,” said franchisee Kira Ehly. “It’s an honor to be a part of this great event and cause.”

The event raised over $72,000, and attendees were invited to stick around and explore the zoo following the two-mile walk.

This year’s Knoxville Ambassador Family was the Vaughan Family. Ben and Rosalynn Vaughan’s twin girls, Adaline and Harper, were born at 33 weeks and have surpassed their expected progress. The girls were given surfactant, which is a March of Dimes funded agent, that allowed the twins to breathe on their own and aided in them going home from NICU nearly two months early.

“It’s a pleasure to work with March of Dimes,” said Cambrie Gagliardi, marketing director for Meridian Enterprises. “This partnership is one we want to continue.”