You were probably surprised when you walked into school and saw the March of Dimes

balloons and banners, but you might not know what they meant exactly.

March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization created for the health benefits for mothers with newborn babies—specifically, babies in the NICU.

It was first founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt with the original name National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. The original organization was established as a response to the US epidemics of polio but later evolved to the prevention of premature birth as the organization's primary focus after the development of a polio vaccine.

The organization’s donations go toward funding medical research, education of pregnant women, community programs, government advocacy, and support of pregnant women and mothers.

So how does this relate to our school?

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) has been working to raise money for March of Dimes for their national project.

“It’s a great project to have because it’s going toward a great cause. It’s great that we are helping moms and their babies!” said FBLA member senior Gary Liu.

Over the past few weeks, FBLA has been selling balloons for $5 to go towards their “Popping Party” which took place April 3.

At the Popping Party, gifts were raffled when a balloon was popped and a buyer’s name revealed.

The FBLA members had 50 balloons to sell and every last balloon was sold.

“This fundraiser was a great success. Not only did we sell all of our balloons and make $250 in balloon revenue, we also had several donations toward the cause,” said FBLA adviser Mrs. Laurie Guandolo.