#United States #New York #Jason Kelce #March of Dimes #Sports Luncheon

Celebrating Health and Achievement at the March of Dimes Sports Luncheon

On December 4, 2025, the March of Dimes hosted its 42nd Annual New York Sports Luncheon, an event that brought together over 500 influential figures from sports, media, and business to champion maternal and infant health initiatives. This annual gathering raised an impressive $1.4 million, continuing a legacy of support for a vital cause.

Honoring Outstanding Leaders

This year’s event celebrated prominent athletes and leaders who have made significant contributions to the athletic community and society as a whole. The honorees included:

• - Jason Kelce: Former Philadelphia Eagles center, celebrated for his contributions on and off the field, received the March of Dimes Sports Achievement Award.
• - Katie Ledecky: The astonishing nine-time Olympic gold medalist, known not only for her swimming prowess but also for her advocacy work in health and wellness, was also a recipient of the Sports Achievement Award.
• - Steve Phelps: NASCAR Commissioner, honored with the March of Dimes Corporate Leadership Award for his efforts to promote safe and healthy practices in the racing industry.

These distinguished individuals represent the spirit of leadership that the March of Dimes seeks to inspire across various domains.

Addressing Maternal and Infant Health

Despite ongoing efforts, the United States continues to face daunting challenges related to maternal and infant health, as highlighted by the March of Dimes Report Card, which gave a D+ grade for the fourth consecutive year. This alarming statistic indicates a pressing need for enhanced healthcare strategies to combat the growing issue of preterm births and infant health complications in America.

For 42 years, the March of Dimes Sports Luncheon has raised over $21.4 million to advance critical research, advocacy, and community programs aimed at preventing preterm birth. The impact of these funds is vital in addressing the health crises affecting families across the nation, where disparities in maternal and infant care continue to exist.

Voices of the Community

The luncheon was chaired by industry leaders including David Berson, President and CEO of CBS Sports, along with Rick Cordella of NBC Sports and others, showcasing a unified front in the fight for improved maternal health. Its profound impact was further emphasized through the poignant story of Mecca Williams, a March of Dimes ambassador from New York, who shared her harrowing experience with severe pregnancy complications. Mecca's story serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for accessible prenatal care and support for families experiencing high-risk pregnancies.

The Road Ahead

All proceeds from the luncheon are directed to various March of Dimes programs, including the Mom & Baby Mobile Health Centers® and NICU Family Support initiative, which aim to expand access to quality medical care for mothers and infants. As highlighted by Allison Lang, the senior executive director of Market Impact at March of Dimes, "This annual luncheon unites the best of the sports and media communities to address an issue that impacts every family."

In conclusion, the March of Dimes 42nd Annual Sports Luncheon not only honored exemplary athletes but also reignited the focus on the critical mission to improve maternal and infant health care in the United States. The call for better healthcare isn’t just a statistic; it is a collective responsibility to ensure every mother and infant has a healthy start—a cause that champions like Jason Kelce, Katie Ledecky, and Steve Phelps believe in wholeheartedly.