DEE SNIDER Joins March of Dimes Bikers For Babies

Dee Snider, best known as the front man for the 1980s heavy metal band TWISTED SISTER, is taking on a new lead role this year as Honorary Chairman of March of Dimes Bikers for Babies. The cause is personal: two of his children were born prematurely, and he's leading the pack to help other babies be born healthy.

Despite the wild-man image from his heavy metal days, Snider and his wife, Suzette, have been together for 32 years and have four children.

To hear Dee talk about his personal story of premature birth and why he is involved with the March of Dimes, download this podcast.

Snider is also a radio personality, television host, author, voiceover artist, screenplay writer and actor. He has adopted the March of Dimes Bikers for Babies as his charity of choice. After riding with the Connecticut Chapter of the March of Dimes for three years, Snider saw a need and created and chaired the event that carries his name — Dee Snider's Bikers for Babies on Long Island, N.Y. That was six years ago. "I'm honored to be a part of these events and proud of their success in raising funds to fight premature birth," he says. Snider will personally participate in three upcoming events: they are in Alabama on Oct. 11; St. Louis on Oct. 12; and in Las Vegas on Oct. 25.

He also appeared last week on the Fox TV show "Kitchen Nightmares", riding an autographed motorcycle donated by Lighthouse Harley-Davidson of Huntington Station, New York, which will be auctioned to benefit the March of Dimes.

If you would like to ride along with Dee, or make a donation to support Bikers for Babies, please visit www.bikersforbabies.org.

"Dee Snider has been a dedicated volunteer for several years now, and we're really pleased that he's agreed to take on a greater role in helping March of Dimes efforts for stronger, healthier babies," says Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. "Just looking out at all of the dedicated bikers, both individuals and families, who come together for this event makes you want to suit up yourself and go for a spin."

In total, 30 Bikers for Babies events will be held this year, primarily in the fall months. The rides average between 60 and 80 miles. The event is sponsored nationally by Farmers Insurance Group.

As part of his ongoing fundraising for the March of Dimes, Snider will be raffling off a custom-designed bike in January 2009. The proceeds will go to Dee Snider's Bikers for Babies on Long Island, N.Y.

Last year, more than 45,000 riders and 250 motorcycle clubs got on the road and raised $2.8 million for babies. This year's event promises to be just as strong. You can locate particular events by logging on to www.bikersforbabies.org

The March of Dimes is the leading organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.