DEE SNIDER Teams With MARCH OF DIMES, THE DALE JR. FOUNDATION

Dee Snider, best known as the frontman for the 1980s heavy metal band TWISTED SISTER, is teaming up with the March of Dimes and The Dale Jr. Foundation to help give every baby a healthy start in life.

Snider is the national spokesman of March of Dimes Bikers for Babies. For him, the cause is personal: two of his four children were born prematurely. Now Snider and NASCAR's Dale Earnhardt, Jr. are leading the pack to help other babies be born healthy. The two friends hope to raise awareness about their shared cause — healthy babies and healthy children — by giving away a custom-built chopper.

The bike, made by Orange County Choppers, was originally given to Earnhardt as a gift from a sponsor. When he met Snider at the famed Sturgis rally last year, the two hatched a plan to use the chopper to support the March of Dimes. They decided to hold a sweepstakes that runs through November 13, 2009.

For the official rules and to enter the sweepstakes, go to www.bikersforbabies.org.

Snider — who is also a radio personality, television host, author, voiceover artist, screenplay writer and actor — has adopted March of Dimes Bikers for Babies as his charity event 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 seven years ago.

"Joining Dee in this year's Bikers for Babies on Long Island was a rush — sort of like Batman and Robin, but fighting preterm birth instead of crime," said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. "Bikers and their families are among the March of Dimes staunchest supporters. They've given their time and joined countless rides to help give every baby a healthy start in life."

Snider will personally participate in three upcoming events: they are in Tarrytown, N.Y., on June 28; Middletown, Conn., on Sept. 13; and Kansas City, Mo., on Sept. 20.

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

In total, 33 Bikers for Babies events will be held this year, primarily in the fall months. The rides average between 60 and 80 miles.

The Dale Jr. Foundation is a charity dedicated to giving underprivileged individuals, with a focus on youth, the resources to improve their confidence and education, and the opportunity to achieve extraordinary goals.

To view a video of Dee Snider and Dale Jr. with the chopper, go to www.jrnation.com.

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