Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
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SALLISAW, OK - Cherokee Nation employees from the Redbird Smith Health Clinic in Sallisaw recently participated in the annual March of Dimes fundraiser, Walk America, and they walked away with several honors.

The team from Redbird Smith Health Clinic raised over $900 for the March of Dimes, exceeding their goal of $500. The team of 13 people raised money through donations, bake sales, and an employee change drive.

"Hats off to the Redbird Smith Team for their participation in the recent March of Dimes, Walk America", said Chris Walker, executive director of health services for the Cherokee Nation. "We are proud of the participation of our clinic staff in local fund raisers."

Team members were Randy Harp, Dejuna Frye, Shannon Qualls, Patty Green, Rachelle Bailey, Karen Diemert, Marlene Latta, Bobbie Stopp, Abbie Bailey, Jeana Bailey, Heather Bailey, Linda Teague, and Tammy Ross.

"I recruited team members by word of mouth and by education regarding what the March of Dimes raises money for and the works of the March of Dimes." said Rachelle Bailey, team captain.

The March of Dimes raises money for research and treatment of birth defects. They conduct 'Walk America' fundraisers all over Oklahoma. They also provide area corporations with recruitment packets to recruit team members from each organization to participate in the annual walk.

The Redbird Smith Health Clinic team won first place for having the best message on their t-shirts and second place for designing the most creative t-shirt. The t-shirt, designed by Bailey, had the slogan, 'I am a hero!' on the front, which, she says, portrays the spirit of the team.

"I thought it sounded good, since the team is a bunch of heroes", Bailey said.

They also won awards for being the most improved team, having the most walkers, and raising the most money for an organization of their size.