JP Lizzy Supports March of Dimes Prematurity Awareness Activities in November

More than 100 purses donated as gifts for preemie moms


Denver, CO – November 13, 2006 – JP Lizzy (www.jplizzy.com), a premier maker of classic baby-friendly bags and purses today announced its support of March of Dimes efforts to raise awareness of premature birth. The March of Dimes Colorado chapter has planned a series of events and activities across the state in recognition of Prematurity Awareness Month, a national public health initiative which takes place throughout the month of November. JP Lizzy founder, Wendy Barry, has a strong connection to this cause since she began the company shortly after giving birth to her twins prematurely in 2001.

JP Lizzy is taking a stand to help raise awareness of the risks associated with premature birth. The company is donating 110 purses, in four different styles, to the Colorado chapter to use for a variety of events throughout November. The donation’s retail value is just under $5,000.

According to a study issued in October by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 34 percent of infant deaths in the U.S. in 2002 were attributed to premature births. Previously, that estimate had been 17 percent. Last year alone, premature births accounted for one in eight U.S. births, and have increased 30 percent since 1981. In more than half the cases, the causes of prematurity are not known. In an average year, half a million babies in the U.S. are born too soon. This includes more than 8,000 in Colorado. Annual national hospital charges for premature birth amount to an estimated $16 billion.

“We thank JP Lizzy for its support of our local chapter and for continuing to help us raise prematurity awareness in Colorado” said Shelly Goodchild, March of Dimes state director. “We’re thrilled to provide these fashionable purses to the families and moms that have personally been affected by this health issue. We applaud JP Lizzy’s efforts for getting involved as a corporation. The fact that Wendy can personally relate to what they are all going through, is a tremendous help to our families.”

The donated styles include Whimsy White, Spring Fling, Jackie and Caroline. Features include:

• Microfiber, wipeable seasonal fabrics
• Wipeable interior
• Magnetic closure
• Metal feet

The purses will be given to preemie moms who attend March of Dimes night at the Pepsi Center on Tuesday, November 21. The evening will include a reception for Colorado families affected by premature birth that takes place before the 7 p.m. Denver Nuggets/Chicago Bulls game. The purses will also be distributed at a healthy-baby summit the March of Dimes is hosting with local leaders of the African American community on Tuesday, November 29. A complete list of Prematurity Awareness Month activities slated for Colorado may be found at www.marchofdimes.com/colorado.

Wendy Barry, founder of JP Lizzy stated, “I’m excited to develop and nurture a long-term relationship with the March of Dimes. I firmly support their mission and look forward to working with them for years to come.”

About JP Lizzy
Recognizing a need for a practical bag that allows moms to express their sense of style, designer Wendy Barry developed the plan for JP Lizzy - a name she chose based on the inspiration of her twins, John Patrick and Emma Elizabeth. As women, we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders while still trying to look chic and feel organized. Sure our priorities shift in life, but that doesn’t mean we have to give up style and color. JP Lizzy bags are fun yet functional. Fashionable yet practical. And most importantly, they’re designed with women’s ever-changing needs in mind. For more information, a complete listing of retailers and to view the entire JP Lizzy collection, please visit www.jplizzy.com.

About the March of Dimes
A national nonprofit health organization founded in 1938, the March of Dimes is dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. To achieve its mission, the organization funds research, community services, education and advocacy. In Colorado, the March of Dimes currently funds $1.7 million in healthy-baby programs. More information is available at www.marchofdimes.com/colorado.[PURSE PHOTOS INCLUDED BELOW]

Media Contact:

March of Dimes:
Becky Herlinger
March of Dimes
(303) 692-0011
bherlinger@marchofdimes.com



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