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March of Dimes Selects Honorary Chair for Annual Fundraiser

Health Partners' William S. George, President and CEO, to Chair Signature Chefs Event

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- William S. George, President and CEO of Health Partners will serve as honorary chair for the 12th Annual March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction at Harrah's Chester Casino on Friday, November 7, 2008. This sumptuous affair will feature the signature dishes from over 20 of the region's top chefs plus silent and live auctions to support the March of Dimes' mission to give all babies a healthy start.

"Bill George has worked tirelessly over the course of his career to improve the health outcomes of Philadelphians," says Grant Parker, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Southeast Pennsylvania Division of the March of Dimes. "He is particularly concerned with the rate of premature births prevalent among Health Partners' members. We're thrilled to have Bill as this year's honorary chair and Health Partners as lead sponsor."

This year's event will highlight the notable culinary creations of local chefs including Rosario Romano, Ristorante Panorama; Bruce Giardino, Continental Midtown; Andrew Masciangelo, Savona; Vince Alberici, Longwood Gardens; Jim Coleman, Normandy Farms; and Christine Neugebauer, Christine Marie's Catering.

"This is a fun, creative way to get people together to raise awareness and much needed funds for prenatal care and research," says Bill George, President and CEO of Health Partners. "Making sure the unborn are nurtured and protected for their full nine months is a top priority for Health Partners, so we're proud to support the March of Dimes."

Every year, 500,000 babies inthe United States are born prematurely and nearly 5,000 American infants died last year due to preterm birth. Every 4 1/2 minutes, an American child is born with a birth defect. In an average week inPennsylvania, 21 babies die before they reach their first birthday. The March of Dimes is working to reduce these numbers through the generous support of donors.

About the March of Dimes:

The leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health, the March of Dimes has been working for the past 70 years to prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality for the smallest members of society.

About Health Partners:

Founded in 1984, Health Partners is the result of a unique collaboration among seven area hospitals to create a not-for-profit health plan for residents ofPhiladelphia. Over more than 20 years, Health Partners has garnered national attention for innovations in managed care, and now serves more than 138,000 members throughout southeasternPennsylvania.

SOURCE Health Partners