Ames is hosting its Second Annual Walk America for the March of Dimes this Saturday at 9 a.m. at Brookside Park.

Jenny Nelson, division director for the March of Dimes central Iowa chapter, said 24 teams from Ames companies are registered to walk.

Nelson said each team has five or more members, and 100 to 150 walkers are expected. The four-mile route starts and finishes at Brookside Park, 1325 Sixth St.

“Each person on a team is responsible for collecting $25 in pledges, and they can do this any way they want,” she said.

Kristine Jones, community director for the March of Dimes central Iowa chapter, said she was happy to see Ames doing a walk like this.

“It raises money for a worthy cause that can affect anyone at any time,” she said.

Cara Fast, sophomore in chemical engineering, is a member of the local chapter of the National Youth Council for the March of Dimes.

Fast said she is one of 14 college students who serve on this council. The members volunteer in their local chapters, she said.

“We work on the local level as well as the national level,” she said.

Fast said she is working on recruiting teams for Saturday’s Walk America and will do whatever she needs to make it a success.

“This weekend is designated Walk America Weekend, so there are a lot of walks being held Saturday and Sunday,” she said.

Jones said this is the third Walk America held in Ames and the second in a row.

“Hopefully, it will keep getting bigger, and we can continue to have an annual walk,” she said.

Nelson said musician Stan Dahl will entertain participants by playing the steel drums after the walk. Refreshments will be provided as well.

“Walk America is supposed to be a big celebration,” Fast said. “So we want the walkers to enjoy it as much as possible.”

Jones said a total of $75 million was raised last year by all the Walk Americas held throughout the nation.

All proceeds go to the March of Dimes, whose mission is to improve the health of babies through research, community service and advocacy.