Young Hunter Van Brocklin, 17 months, sits in his stroller as his mother, Kelly Van Brocklin, left, talks about his recovery from premature birth prior to the start of the March of Dimes Walk America event. Also behind Hunter are his father, Andrew, and aunt, Megan Dyer. (contributed photo)

This 3-mile walk has been held locally every year since 1975 and was one of two dozen held throughout Maine to raise funds for March of Dimes' programs that save babies from birth defects, pre-term labor and low birthweight. This year's Walk was hosted by Mayo Regional Hospital, with sponsorship by Plum Creek Timber Co. and Mayo.

Special guests for WalkAmerica were Evan Bridges, a local high school student, and Hunter Van Brocklin, 17 months, both of whom were born premature.

The top individual fundraiser, for the second straight year, was Diane Clukey, who raised $1,225. The youngest fundraiser was Megan Spooner, with $175.

The top fundraising team was Bangor Savings Bank, with $2,855. Other top teams were Mayo Regional Hospital, $2,077; Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union, $1,717; and Skowhegan Savings Bank, $1,415.Key Clubs participated from three area high schools, with Dexter Regional High School raising $543, Piscataquis Community High School of Guilford raising $324 and Foxcroft Academy raising $305.