Allen Greer aims to make the Delta Air Lines WalkAmerica team number one — again!

Allen Greer of Peachtree City has been a hero for nearly 20 years. For the past two years, his leadership helped the Delta Air Lines WalkAmerica Team capture the title of number one in the downtown Atlanta WalkAmerica fund-raising event.

When you ask Allen how he became involved with the March of Dimes, he does not hesitate in his answer: “I began working with the March of Dimes after my first son was born. He was a healthy baby and I felt I needed to give something back, realizing all the years of research and dedication that facilitated that one healthy birth.”

In fact, Greer's motivation perfectly reflects the mission of the March of Dimes. For 62 years the March of Dimes has been working toward the day when all babies are born healthy.

Sadly, even now, this is not always something that can be taken for granted. Low birth weights, birth defects and infant mortality are still tragedies that claim innocent babies. And it's a problem that hits especially hard in our area. Today, babies born in Singapore and Spain have a better chance of surviving than they do here in Georgia.

Greer aims to change that — and to assist in leading the Delta Air Lines team to the top for a third time. Asked about his previous repeat, he says, “I believe that our competitive nature really came out last year. We were determined to be the number one team in Atlanta for the second year, as it was an excellent feeling the year before.”

By continuing to involve movers and shakers on the Delta Steering Committee and evolving new ideas as profit centers, the Delta team has been able to build momentum and competitive spirit. For Greer, competition is a positive. “It is a good kind of competition as the March of Dimes benefits [from it] and we hopefully helped some other teams to reach a higher goal.”

Greer is intent on reaching higher goals and is not reluctant to share advice to help other teams excel, “Think outside the box, try to out-perform your previous year's accomplishments, challenge your competition, and include young folks in your team. We must set an example for future generations.”

It's a big challenge. Yet it's challenge that makes heroes. What motivates Greer to work extra hard? “I really think it boils down to why all the volunteers are here — healthier babies.”

So, what will you do? Join Greer and the Delta Air Lines team. Volunteer. Lead a team. Take the walk. Be a hero.

WalkAmerica will take place in Peachtree City and downtown Atlanta Saturday, April 29.

In 2000, more than nine million men, women and children will participate as sponsors, volunteers or walkers, and thousands are expected to volunteer or walk in the Metro-Atlanta WalkAmerica.

For information, phone Kellyann Dunning, assistant WalkAmerica director, 404-350-9800.



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