DEMOPOLIS – Today the Demopolis SportsPlex will come alive once again for the annual March of Dimes WalkAmerica, the annual fundraiser that raises money for research, equipment and other expenses in the fight against premature births and birth defects.

“The March of Dimes doesn’t just help with premature babies, they help with birth defects and they were one of the main donors for smallpox vaccinations,” Jennifer Thomason, March of Dimes participant, said.

Though not all money has been turned in, the last count put this year’s total at $12,300, an amount that surpasses the totals for the last three years.

“We’ve raised more this year than the last three years,” Thomas said. Much of that is due to one special fundraiser, who made it his mission to raise as much money as he could to help children.

Tommy Vice single-handedly raised $1,350, making him this year’s top fundraiser.

“That’s not $100 donations,” Thomason said. “That’s $5 here and $3 there. He’s really worked hard. He’s worked every day raising money and we’re very proud of him.”

Registration for the walk will begin at 9 a.m., with the walk starting at 10. Following the walk, activities will abound, particularly for the children.

“We’ll have the Fun Castle, (inflatable) big slide and face painting,” Thomason said. “A lot of restaurants have donated food and drinks, so we’ll have that and door prizes.”

Additionally, she said, some lucky person will go home with a fish cooker.

The March of Dimes remains active in many facets of children’s health, something Thomason said people can learn about on its Web site at www.marchofdimes.com.