As part of the #MoDSquad for Father’s Day, this is what #Imbornto

We were compensated for this post. All thoughts are our own and really, this organization is so easy to support. Read the later hashtag again, except this time, say it aloud.  #Imbornto, that’s a heavy line isn’t it?  It kind of reminds you of the last line Tom Hanks said in Saving Private Ryan. For the record it was “Earn this” and for me it was more motivational than sad. March of Dimes has partnered with The Motherhood this Father’s Day to spread awareness, raise some money this Father’s Day season and be thankful.

Recap on March of Dimes.  They were founded by FDR (the 32^nd President of the United States) with the mission to eradicate Polio. If you’ve been born in the last 75 years you’ve been impacted positively by March of Dimes. After Polio was eradicated, they continued their work in helping premature babies, received the Polio vaccine or took a prenatal vitamin with folic acid.

That’s what they do and I never knew that before reading up on them. Premature babies is a major issue with 1 in 9 (in the U.S.) falling under that category. Every baby born is unique though, aren’t they?  That’s the focus behind the #Imbornto campaign.  What were you born to do?

The March of Dimes has partnered with some cool merchants to raise money for their mission, some of which are right in the Father’s Day sweet spot.

Hey grilling out dad (or mom), Blue Rhino is the number 1 brand of propane tank and proud to support March of Dimes.  All you have to do is get your gas from Blue Rhino and they’ll donate. You don’t even need to share your food with them.

For more than 30 years Kmart has been the #1 March of Dimes fundraiser. If you have a little one that loves animals the above doll is $5 and Kmart will donate $1 from every purchase of it.

Speaking of Father’s Day, did you know that 20% of children have never bought their dad a gift? Speaking as a dad, we don’t really need gifts, but to never get one, c’mon, papa needs something here don’t we? 29% of you will take dad out for a meal, 49% will make a handmade gift and 43% will go out and purchase something.

Emeril’s Restaurants is helping out in two ways here also. You can celebrate dad online by tagging a photo of your child, grandchild or yourself with #THX2U. Martha Stewart and Meredith Corporation are donating $350,000 and by tagging that photo they’ll earmark $10 of that total from you. From June 7-21, 2015 Emeril’s Restaurants will also offer people the chance to donate directly from their bill.

You can dig into all of the merchants online and see how they’re helping March of Dimes.

Bottom line: celebrate moms, celebrate dads and be thankful for the healthy babies. Are you one of the parents that didn’t directly realize what the March of Dimes does while you’re in the hospital? They helped you, even if you didn’t realize it then and a small donation this Father’s Day could be just the gift that dad is thankful for.