Teen Earns March of Dimes Junior Humanitarian Award

Mason Passavant of Middletown was honored with the 2011 Junior Humanitarian Award by the at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Spirit of Giving Celebration at the New Haven Lawn Club on Jan. 28. The evening celebrated the Chapter’s volunteers, donors and sponsors, and honored 10 individuals as 2011 Volunteers of Excellence.

Passavant, a high school senior, has been supporting the March of Dimes since 1999 when he was just a toddler. He has served as a chapter ambassador and since 2001, with the support of his mother Marcia, has raised $50,000 for the March of Dimes. He is an active youth advocate and has earned the Chapter’s Volunteer of the Year honor for his past efforts. 

“The March of Dimes has been a crucial facet of my life and my family since I was born,” said Passavant. “To be recognized by such a renowned organization is an incredible honor, and I would personally like to thank the thousands of volunteers and contributors who go unrecognized each year, because without their efforts this organization would not be where it is today.”

“This year as his family gathers for March for Babies, it will be extra special, since this fall Mason will be heading to college. He hopes to continue supporting the March of Dimes by bringing our mission message to new potential youth volunteers. For all of his efforts and dedication, we are pleased to present Mason with the 2011 Junior Humanitarian Award,” said Michael Botelho, chair of the March of Dimes Connecticut Chapter board of directors.

The volunteer celebration was held in honor of March of Dimes founder President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, whose birthday was Jan. 30. 

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit 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. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org