About 200 people began the march Friday at Clinton State Park.

Some had their dogs on a leash. Some wore silly balloon hats. Some enjoyed the ride from inside their strollers.

At the 36th annual Lawrence WalkAmerica, all were there to raise money to help prematurely born babies and their families.

“I just think it’s an important cause. It’s something that affects a lot of people,” said Stefanie Daye, of Lawrence.

“There’s a lot more children out there that need help than people realize. We, as adults, have to step up and help them out,” said Tom Schnackenberg, of Lawrence.

Walkers could choose between a one-mile or three-mile course.

Tom Schnackenberg and Stefanie Daye prepare for the 36th annual Lawrence WalkAmerica on Friday evening at Clinton State Park. More than 200 people participated in the event to raise money for the March of Dimes.

Before the walk, Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger, R-Lawrence, took part in the opening ceremony as did Catelyn and Kendall Rees, 8-year-old twins from Topeka who survived premature births. The Rees family members are the March of Dimes of Kansas ambassador family for 2006.

Coordinator Sarah Meyer said more than 70 teams participated in Friday’s Lawrence event.

She said they hoped to raise $46,000 for prenatal care research. A year ago, the Lawrence event easily surpassed its $27,000 goal, she said.

Meyer expected to know this year’s total early next week as teams were still collecting pledges.