Zeek's Travels

WalkAmerica Thank You Breakfast ~ Chicago, IL

2007-08-02T18:47:00.001-05:00

A busy week for Zeek and Betty, while still reveling in their White House visit, the Taylor's got to share their experiences with volunteers in Chicago!

Getting back into the swing of things...Betty and Zeek get to know the guests at their table.
The Taylor's take to the stage to share their story and thank volunteers in Chicago!!
Though it was a quick trip we did make it out to see some of the sights!!
Zeek's top choice, NAVY PIER!!

Hello, Mr. President ~ Washington, D.C.

2007-07-30T18:52:00.000-05:00

After a LONG deserved rest...Zeek, his parents Betty & Corey, and brother Emanuel head to the White House to meet President Bush!! An annual visit for the March of Dimes National Ambassador, Zeek had his chance to greet the president, and see him fly in on Marine One!!

WalkAmerica is finally here ~ Philadelphia, PA

2007-04-30T12:17:00.000-05:00

What a BEAUTIFUL weekend in Philadelphia!!! The Taylor's came up to the city of brotherly love to celebrate March of Dime' s#1 Fundraiser, WalkAmerica!!! They were welcomed back with open arms & open hearts to share in the excitement of the day...and was it a busy day indeed!!!

The walk route was covered with inspirational messages and thoughts
The Taylor Family got to cut the official ribbon, starting off the Walk at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The 2007 National Ambassador Family took a few minutes to spend some time with one of the March of Dimes National Sponsor's, Cigna!!

Zeek & Emanuel pose with Mrs. Roo & some fellow Health Partner's team members, as well as Timothy Kelly, a fellow preemie, who sang the National Anthem for the crowd!!
The Taylor's on stage before the Walk starts...
...Corey says a few words as well.
At the start line, Gene Terry, Executive Director, Southeast Pennsylvania Division, Tony Choppa, National Director of Revenue Initiatives, Tracey Davidson, NBC 10 anchor and Honorary Chair for WalkAmerica 2007, and the 2007 National Ambassador, Zeek and his family
The 2007 National Ambassador Family (Taylor's) and Philadelphia's 2007 Local Ambassador Family (the Gillespies's) pose along the walk route!

The Taylor's in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum!!
The Taylor's reach the finish line!!!
...and have a lot of work (and play) to do. First a TV interview LIVE with NBC 10
...then a hike up the "Rocky" steps of the art museum.
And what's a visit to the museum without the official Rocky pose :)
...and more importantly a little GIRL POWER!!

Next stop, face painting...
...the moon bounce!!!...and even PONY RIDES!!!!

Lot's of them!!!
I hope you have enjoyed our travels so far this year!!! As you can see it has been a busy season, and Zeek is eager to finish up the 2nd grade. We will be taking a short break from traveling, but our work is never done and we will be back very soon!!! Thanks for all your support and we look forward to sharing the rest of our travels starting up again in a few weeks!!!

Last trip before WalkAmerica Weekend ~ Oklahoma City, OK

2007-04-25T13:05:00.000-05:00

Wow - it has been quite a week in the world...Zeek and Betty took their final trip before WalkAmerica and headed out to Oklahoma City, OK!! We had a phenomenal reception, and a fantastic week. The weather was beautiful for the first time :). There were many appointments, each one more exciting than the next! Thank you Oklahoma chapter for being so wonderful!! We wish you the best for your Walk! The 2007 National Ambassador Family (Betty & Zeek) are welcomed to town by the 2007 Local WalkAmerica Ambassador, Brooke, and her family...that is a lot of 'older brother' going on?
We had an early morning wake up with a mini radio tour...first stop, News Radio 1000 KTOK
...then we were off to 96.1 KXY...
and finally a great stop at 101.9, Twister!!

Then we headed to the State Capital and had a proclamation reading with members of the Supreme Court and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Members
Zeek was also presented a very grande token from the brothers (the highlight of his day :)
And we had a tour of the House Chambers with the Speaker of the House...
...and Zeek was then presented on the floor of the House (with Rep. Shelton) and had a resolution cited by a local representative
Before the day was over it was one more interview at News 9!!!

Breakfast with Farmer's Insurance at their National Call Center location
Zeek picks the big winner for one of the raffles!!!
Then we stopped at Columbus Elementary Enterprise School where students put on quite a show and presented the March of Dimes with a check for WalkAmerica
We ended our day at a Faith Community "Building Partnerships for Change" Forum... ...it was a very successful week...and now we are off to Walk in Raleigh, NC and then Philadelphia, PA! We hope to see lots of you out there walking!!!

Zeek throws a perfect strike ~ Cincinnatti, OH

2007-04-10T13:08:00.000-05:00

Zeek, his parents, Betty & Corey, and his big brother Emanuel spent some time in Cincinnati, OH last week visiting local sights, meeting with March of Dimes sponsors and WalkAmerica teams...and even having the opportunity to throw out the first pitch a the REDS game...definitely a highlight, as well as a lasting impression on the town... Here the Taylor's receive a warm welcome from all the staff at the Cincinnati office

Zeek & Emanuel explore the Freedom Center and learn all about the Underground Railroad and how it shaped the lives of so many Americans
Then it was down to business...Zeek and Tom Browning, former Reds pitcher who pitched a perfect game, sign autographs during Citi's Carnival day for WalkAmerica!!!
Zeek and Emanuel participated in mostly ALL of the games they had available
...but most importantly the "wind" booth - where they had to collect as many "dollars" as possible to help support Citi's effort to save babies...
...Zeek took away the top prize with 35 points!!! Good work Zeek!!!

Betty and Corey looked on...they didn't want to mess up their hair :)
A view of the river from one of Cincinnati's many parks...
...and an early morning LIVE interview on Channel 9...a job well done!Then it was off to the Reds/Cubs game...where it turned out to be a VERY chilly day!
Here Zeek and local March of Dimes ambassador, Mackenzie try to warm up and toss a few pitches...

Once on the field, the two ambassadors worked the crowds...

...and the players as well!!!
Before the big throw...the news team at Channel 5 took a few minutes to interview the ambassadors
A last minute pep talk and advice from dad and Tom Browning

See how Zeek did http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EqvPS77ccs

And it was a success!!! More than Mayor Mallory could say...

From one coast to the next ~ Los Angeles, CA

2007-04-02T14:00:00.000-05:00

Talk about some fun in the sun!! Even though it was a quick trip, we made the most of it. Zeek and Betty cam to LA to take part in a satellite media tour with Dancing With the Stars Host, and March of Dimes Celebrity Volunteer, Tom Bergeron!!! Four hours in a dark studio and 26 TV/radio interviews later...Betty, Zeek & Tom cam through with flying colors! Then it was off to the Getty Museum for a little R&R... Tom, Zeek & Betty come together to promote WalkAmerica, and help give all babies their full nine months!!

Tom and Zeek get a little silly...I guess that's what four hours in a dark room will do to you :)
Then it was off to the Getty!!! What a beautiful, sunny, California afternoon.
Taking a load off..
Betty and Zeek rest by one of the many gorgeous fountains...
Zeek even had the chance to test his creativity skills!!

And there he is at the bottom of the hill...he is definitely a little quicker than us :)
Zeek and Betty in over the stream and in front of the maze of gardens.
A closer look :)
Here they are near the stream with the Museum in the background!
And finally the picture perfect way to capture the day!! Such a beautiful place to experience together!!

The Big Apple ~ New York, NY

2007-03-28T22:42:00.000-05:00

The Taylor's are in town for there big debut on Fox and Friends...but while we were there, we did a whole lot more!!!

The Taylor's take Manhattan...first stop Times Square
Emanuel and Zeek go a little bonkers for chocolate...
...and keep it up at the M&M flagship store!!

Then there was the Empire State Building in the distance...
...and of course we had to check it out!
The Taylor's even made their way to Jersey City to see the skyline from a distance :)
and finally LIVE on Fox & Friends with March of Dimes volunteer, Gretchen Carlson!
Corey even made some fast friends with Brian Mitchell and his football pals!!!

Motown...here we are ~ Detroit, MI

2007-03-28T22:38:00.000-05:00

It may be a little late...but as busy as we are...it's better late than never :) Zeek and Betty have been non-stop traveling and we are finally catching up...here they are in Motown, checking out a few sites before the March of Dimes Golden Mile Walk!!

Another windy one in Pittsburgh!!

2007-03-14T11:00:00.000-05:00

Zeek started his day bright and early with a little "gold coin" (of chocolate) from National City!
After sharing their story, Betty & Zeek take a few photo's with the Todd C. Moules, President of Pennsylvania Banking.

Next stop...KDKA channel 2 for a live interview with Kristine Sorensen!!
Then we headed upstairs to the radio station at KDKA...KDKA's, is known for the world's historic first radio broadcast on November 2, 1920...a little bit of history there!!!
...and we even snuck over to meet Michael Young, the General Manager at KDKA Radio!!

Zeek gets the chance to meet a fellow preemie at Magee Hospital's NICU.

And then ANOTHER radio interview...Zeek has really gotten the hang of these!
Off to the home of some more creative geniuses who like to help save babies...we toured Blattner Brunner Advertising and Zeek got to let his creativity flow!!!
...who would have thought he would have chosen exercise for his downtime at the UPMC SportsWorks.

then he raced of the blocks against Kelley Malcolm from the local Pittsburgh office...I won't tell you who won :)
Of course...another special dinner for the chef in training at Steelhead Brassiere...where we enjoyed a front row set to the kitchen and a fantastic tasting menu of all of Zeek's favorite foods...mainly seafood!!
Until Zeek got behind the doors to whip up a little something sweet for dessert!
We then ended our tour at the very emotional Washington County Kickoff hosted by the County Commissioners.
...then to entertain ourselves during a LONG wait at the airport...we decided to take pictures with a Steelers player who happened to be hanging out!!!

Brand new day, brand new city ~ Pittsburgh, PA

2007-03-05T21:44:00.000-05:00

Another trip to the (somewhat) northeast...and another day of snow...but apparently as we learned, here in Pittsburgh...it can be grey and snow all day, yet never accumulate an inch...who knew...Betty and Zeek had a blast seeing it come and go all day long!!!

Zeek started the day like many other on the road...signing autographs!! this time at the Urban League of Pittsburgh!
Here Zeek dives right in to a book he received as a gift from the Urban League.
It wouldn't be a National Ambassador trip without a stop at our national sponsors, Famous Footwear...
...or Kmart for that matter!! As always, we had quite a reception at each.
Next stop was a lunch and team captain kickoff at FedEx ground!!!

Betty & Zeek did get a minute to relax on the Monongahela Incline...try to say that five times, fast...impossible, but loads of fun :)
...and what a view of the city from the top!!
...and then we had to RUN back for cover...it really was snowing sideways!!!
Before we headed out of downtown, we stopped off at a local team, Marc USA...and they made Zeek and official Steelers fan.

Here Zeek poses with the company's team captains!!!
...and then they got down and dirty checking out all the loot Zeek came away with!
Our last stop before we called it a night and headed to dinner was Magee Hospital to visit their NICU and thank all the nurses and doctors for all they do for babies.
Finally, Chef Ed, prepared us quite a feast at P.F. Chang's!!!
...and Zeek got another tour of the kitchen...that is a LOT of rice up there!!!

Still busy & enjoying northern, central, and southern NJ!

2007-02-28T16:31:00.000-05:00

Back to the East and the snow ~ Hello New Jersey!!

2007-02-26T23:44:00.000-05:00

Another week, another city (or state)!! We are spending the week in New Jersey - traveling to the north, central, and southern divisions...as per the usual, we awoke to quite a bit of snow, but nothing can stop us...we were up bright and early and...
Signing autographs, what else :)
At PSEG in Newark, NJ - Betty and Zeek share their story with a longtime WalkAmerica team!!
Zeek presents the president of PSEG with a service volunteer award!

Betty interviews with the local radio station. She shares her story and encourages the listeners to come out and walk on April 29th!!
Another Kmart...another FANTASTIC reception. This local NJ Kmart is the top fundraiser in the state of New Jersey...and the #3 top fundraising location in the whole country!! Keep up the good work Team Kmart!!
The employees made Zeek his own name tag and dressed him up as a cashier...
...then they let him practice as a cashier and sold sneakers to raise dollars for the March of Dimes.
Just as the sign says...Kmart has really proven to be the #1 team in the country.

Next up...another National Sponsor and a great reception. Zeek and Betty take some time with the head of FedEx NJ Metro District.
Before we headed back to the hotel...we had one final kickoff and other professional signing session.
Betty and Zeek share their story at the Elizabethtown Gas & Union County WalkAmerica Kickoff...
...and take another moment for a picture with the leaders of Elizabethtown Gas and local community leaders!!
Zeek's cards were definitely at a premium this week...we passed out nearly 500 (signed) cards to all the wonderful volunteers who support the March of Dimes!! Be sure to share the message with all your friends, family, and coworkers!!!

In and out before the storm...getting cozy in Madison, WI

2007-02-26T13:21:00.000-05:00

Well it was a quick trip to Madison, WI ~ but Betty and Zeek were welcomed with open arms! We flew in and out before the storm that brought loads of snow!
Zeek poses by the famous Ella's Deli sign...he jumped right in and became part of the family!

New friends in minutes...local March of Dimes ambassador, Will, Hannah, daughter of a Famous Footwear employee, and Zeek Taylor took control of the restaurant and played for quite some time!! Then it was up EARLY...really early! Betty and Zeek shared their story on local channel 23 during the 6am news...

Then the Taylor's were back at the hotel kicking off the Madison WalkAmerica Kickoff, and showing a little support for the Official Airline of the National Ambassador Program...Continental!

Bucky the Badger, Dr. Howse, President of the March of Dimes, and Zeek & Betty Taylor show their spirit and support for the March of Dimes!!

Ahh, what's more inspiring than ambassador families getting to know each other. Here the 2006 & 2007 local Madison ambassadors get friendly with the 2007 National Ambassador, Zeek and his mom Betty!!

Zeek found some inspiration in this young volunteer...she and Zeek have more in common than you would think ~ they were both preemies, and are now volunteering for the March of Dimes! The young local ambassador Will, really had a great time with Zeek...fast friends and their hug goodbye!
Next stop...Famous Footwear headquarters for their internal WalkAmerica Kickoff. Dr. Howse, Joe Wood, President of Famous Footwear, and Betty and Zeek Taylor!!
The whole gang is here! Go team FAMOUS FOOTWEAR!!
And this is just one of the many masterpieces we get to see from our young Picasso, Zeek :)

Another day, another tour ~ Cleveland, OH

2007-02-25T20:35:00.000-05:00

Our last day in Cleveland was anything but ordinary! We definitely had quite a reception, not once, but twice from Kmart and Continental...
Here Betty and Zeek are welcomed to the Cleveland Airport by the the leaders of the Continental-Cleveland team who support the March of Dimes...and also fly the Taylor's across the country as the Official Airline of the National Ambassador Program!

As Zeek's apron reads...Chef in Training...what better place to tour than 'Chelsea' - the in-house food service company of Continental...Zeek's new best friend Tom really showed us the ropes!

First stop...the freezers for a little treat!

and clearly, Zeek enjoyed every bite...and even took a little with him for later :)Zeek gets a chance to put together a food tray (made fresh each morning) and even made a turkey sandwich!! ...then there was the tour of a hangar as well as the chance to check out the plane from the cockpit on back!
Everyone heads up the stairs to take a closer look.

After a fantastic visit, Robbie Anderson takes a moment to get a photo with Zeek and Betty...

...and even hung out with us at the gate for some quality "20 questions" time!!

Zeek and Betty get a HUGE welcome to the local Kmart in Middleburg Heights!
The Mayor, Chief of Police, and Fire Chief all came out to greet the Taylor's
Kmart's team pulled together such a warm reception...Betty and Zeek hung out and thanked all the employees for their hard work and support of the March of Dimes.
Zeek also had a chance to get in the fire engine and try on a real fire hat...

...and then received an official police cap from the Chief!!Phew...what another amazing day...and here we are just above the clouds heading out once again...this time we are heading to Madison, WI!!

Still hanging out in Cleveland, and tour the GM plant!!!

2007-02-22T22:26:00.000-05:00

After an early wake up and...and not one, but two phone-in radio interviews with WTAM and MetroNetworks, Betty and Zeek made the trek out to Lordstown, OH for a press conference with GM and the UAW of Ohio.

Betty and Zeek share their story, and message to help save premature babies.
Zeek is gaining quite a collection of sportswear from across the country....today THE Ohio State University!!
Local GM and UAW personnel take time out of their day to greet Betty and Zeek and all pose for a group photo.
Zeek and Betty interview with local channel 33 after the press conference.
Zeek is presented with an official GM Cobalt jacket with his name one it...definitely one he will grow into!!

After our warm welcome and a fantastic lunch at the GM Lordstown Facility...Betty and Zeek get the most VIP tour of the facility that could be pulled together...Zeek doesn't look too excited, does he :) ?
Betty and Zeek hop off their 'ride' to check out the assembly line, close-up...
The Taylor's take a few minutes to thank some assembly line workers who work hard all day long, but even harder when they are putting in the hours to save babies!!!
Zeek and Betty are getting VERY popular in the plant...I would even start putting them on rock star status :)

Here Zeek watches how it takes mathematics to work the machinery...
Some GM employees present Zeek with and official plaque of GM...made in the machine behind him.
Alpha's Thomas and Sam...joined us for an intimate dinner at the fantastic Blue Canyon restaurant.
Zeek got to enjoy his ALL-TIME favorite, crab legs...and he took those down in record time!!!
...and then passed out in the car on the ride home! Phew, what a day...

Quick stop in Connecticut...and then off to Cleveland, OH

2007-02-20T17:02:00.000-05:00

Well, the snow, rain, and ice may have slowed them down...but the Taylor's still made it to Cigna's "Baby Lunch" in Broomfield, CT. They shared their story, spoke to parents, and visited with the President of CIGNA HealthCare. They did get a brief visit home before we were off again to Cleveland, Ohio...

Betty and Zeek with David Cordani, President of CIGNA HealthCare along with March of Dimes, Rob Lucas and Julie Fronckowiak.

Betty shares her story with a group of CIGNA employees and their children.
Betty, Zeek, and David Cordani, President of CIGNA HealthCare.
Once in Cleveland, we stopped at another CIGNA HealthCare, and met with their President & General Manager, Joseph Gregor who serves as the Walk Revenue Chair in Cleveland.
Zeek, Joe, and Betty get cozy...
Next up Famous Footwear; we took a few minutes to shop around and meet with Pam Howell, Manager of the Brooklyn, OH store. We thank her and her associates for all their hard work with raising funds for WalkAmerica!! GO TEAM FAMOUS!!

On to Circle Kay...we met with top pumpkin seller, Corinne along with Fran and Dave...long time supporters of the March of Dimes - Keep up the good work team Circle K!!!
On to another FedEx location...here Zeek and Betty got a tour of a distribution center...Zeek even got to try out the "slide" to send packages to their appropriate containers...I think I may see a future FedEx employee in out future :)
Zeek gets behind the wheel!
Signs some more autographs...
...and thanks the front operation crew for all their hard work with WalkAmerica!!!!

Providence, RI ~ the biggest little state in the union...

2007-02-14T16:53:00.000-05:00

Well here we are...Providence, RI!!! We came to town in the sunshine, and left in the sunshine...but unfortunately, we saw a lot of snow and rain while we were here...
Zeek gets a sneak preview of the Providence Children's Museum...he had it all to himself before the Family Teams/NICU reunion kickoff began!
The local RI Ambassador triplets with their parents give the Taylor's a warm welcome to RI and the Children's Museum!
Zeek and a local 'mini-walker' roll up their sleeves and dive into the "Waterworks" exhibit.
Zeek really understands the concept of how a dam works after this session...
Local sponsor CVS Pharmacy~Charitable Trust...donates $105K to continue funding for the NICU Family Support program to operate until 2010...keep up the good work CVS!!!

Zeek and Betty speak to a room full of nurses and doctors at the Hasbro Children's Hospital for their annual WalkAmerica Kickoff...Myra Edens, RN, Director of Nursing at Hasbro presents Zeek with a pin. Zeek made some fast friends at McCormick & Schmick's...this chef actually found a lobster in the tank that weighed exactly what Zeek did when he was born... 1 lb 14 oz!!! I have no doubt, Zeek was a much cuter baby :)
While waiting for our transportation, Zeek checked out the Biltmore Hotel and practiced a few more GQ poses...he has this photo shoot thing down!
An afternoon visit at Bank RI and Zeek heads straight for the guy talk...he shares his cards and story with a few employees.
Here Zeek and Betty pose with Walk Chair Rob Perry as well as the March of Dimes, RI Chapter, Citizen of the Year, Merrill W. Sherman, President and CEO of Bank RI.

...another day in the land of the Red Sox ~ Boston, MA

2007-02-14T07:57:00.000-05:00

Our travels took us even further north today to Braintree, and Boston, MA.
We started off visiting a local Kmart. Zeek and Betty thanked employees for their contributions and received a check on behalf of all Kmart's in the Massachusetts area for over $88K!! Go team Kmart!!
It was then off to the NICU at New England Medical Center. Zeek and Betty stopped by to thank the doctors and nurses who live their lives on the front lines to save babies. NEMC is the proud new site of the March of Dimes NICU Family Support program which began in January~keep up the good work!!!
After the hospital we had a grand tour of EF another proud new supporter of the March of Dimes...this international educational travel company supports the March of Dimes with fundraising, but they are also an integral part of WalkAmerica with over 150 volunteers on Walk Day!!
Next stop was Logan Airport in Boston to spend some time with Continental Airlines. They are the Official Airline of the National Ambassador Program and fly the Taylor's across the country to share the mission of the March of Dimes...here Zeek is trying out his new plane with Teresa, the team captain for the Continental team in Boston!!
While hanging out at the airport, Zeek became fast friends with the state troopers on duty!

Behind the scenes at Continental...Zeek passed out his cards and left some goodies for all the hard working supporters...
...we couldn't head out without saying hello to the ladies in baggage claim!! Zeek is quite the charmer :)
Last stop was a live radio interview at WROR, 105.7 ~ Zeek and Betty spoke about their story and encouraged listeners to join in the fight to save babies and come out and walk for WalkAmerica!!
Zeek is getting very comfortable in front of a microphone...
Taylor Family meet the Turenne Family!!! What's a visit to New England without a home cooked meal...Betty and Zeek enjoyed some local hospitality and great company with Jerilynn, Andree, Dick, and of course Zeek's favorite Muffin the cat!

New England is even colder than Philly...Cape Cod, MA here we are!

2007-02-11T22:03:00.000-05:00

Another day, another city!!! We woke up this morning in the sunny yet COLD northeast...and headed straight away to the Cape for the Hyannis Telethon, and to visit a few very important supporters of the March of Dimes... Zeek and Betty's first stop was with Dick Sullivan, local Cape Cod"ian" and 40 year volunteer for the March of Dimes...Dick spent this chilly Sunday hosting the Hyannis Telethon to raise the dollars that help save premature babies. Zeek autographed his card for Dick, and Betty shared the Taylor's story live on a local Cape Cod access station.

This is how it all works...Betty, Zeek, and Dick are chatting live while volunteers are working hard on the phone lines.
We then headed to a local Kmart to accept a check from local store managers on behalf of the March of Dimes...Zeek then received and all to important gift from MA...a Red Sox Jersey, that he wore very proudly the remainder of the day! Here we are at Filene's Basement, another big supporter of the March of Dimes...after out photo session, Zeek walked around the store and handed out his cards to all the dedicated employees!
He we are at Shaw's Supermarket receiving another check on behalf of the March of Dimes...Shaw's employees raised a whopping $150,620 for the babies!! Go Team Shaw's!!! Next stop...the beach. You can't come all the way to Cape Cod without at least seeing the beach!
And maybe even experiencing how cold it is...and let me tell you it was getting chillier by the second...

...and then there was the mad dash back to the car...phew, glad we kept it running with the heat on :)
Speaking of a 'whopping check'...our next stop landed us at Burger King to receive yet one more for the day. Keep up the good work!
Leah, the most enthusiastic Burger King employee we met, made Zeek his own name tag and gave him and official Burger King hat he wore proudly until he fell asleep in the car on the way back to the hotel!!!
It was back to the Hyannis Telethon to check in. This interview was a different story...Zeek seems to be VERY comfortable in front of the camera now, and took hold of the interview, but the end, he was asking Dick all the questions. I think Dick has a little competition on his hands!
Oh...and before we left the Alpha Phi Alpha Steppers performed live and made sure they had a chance to meet Zeek and Betty in person. What a day it was...time to rest up for tomorrow!

Still hanging in Philadelphia

2007-02-09T22:09:00.000-05:00

We spent a few more days in Philadelphia to help gear up and kick off the Center City WalkAmerica on April 29th!! Our days were filled up to the brim with different meetings, visits, meet & greet's and even a very exciting chance meeting...
Right before the Center City WalkAmerica kickoff, Betty and Zeek had a few minutes with Ed Hanway, CEO and Chairman of Cigna. Long time sponsor's both locally and on the national level, Ed presented Zeek with a few art books that we have already looked at cover to cover several times! Thanks, Ed!

Zeek also had the opportunity to meet with the mayor of Philadelphia, Mayor Street and was presented with and official Liberty Bell statue...Zeek was pretty excited to see his name was on the plaque!
A little later in the day, we headed up to Reed Smith to share our story and talk to the employees and team captains to thank them for all they do and get them excited for WalkAmerica...here Zeek is already wearing his gift and checking out another.

Next stop B101 radio station where Zeek and Betty hit the airwaves for the second time that day!
After receiving the Liberty Bell Statue we thought it would only be right to have Betty and Zeek get to see the real thing...
...and there we met (by chance) the Secretary of the Interior, Sec. Kempthorne. He and Zeek spent a few minutes together and even traded business cards!
Then is was the most exciting moment for the littlest chef around. Long time volunteer and Star Chef for the March of Dimes, Rosario Romano, invited Zeek back in the kitchen at Panorama Ristorante to help prepare out antipasti! Zeek got all dressed up and dove right in. He definitely left his mark...
...and even served us at the table! Check out that proud little grin on his face :)

Before the week was over we were back on the radio with Paul at Metro Networks. Zeek presented him with a March of Dimes bear, and he and his mom shared there stories with all the listeners.

And another chance meeting...Zeek and Betty ran into the local King of Prussia ambassadors at the March of Dimes office! Who knows...maybe one day they'll be on the road like Zeek!
Before we headed out of town, we had to stop at Kenexa to meet the March of Wings champion who ate his way into saving babies...He ate a whopping 52 wings...phew, that is hard work!
'Strike a Pose' ~ Zeek's in rare form and getting a little loopy from all this traveling. Maybe he had a little GQ in his future!!
And our last stop on the Philadelphia tour was quite astounding...we learned that McNeil has increased their corporate sponsorship from $10K to $25K!!! WELL DONE!! What a great way to end a fantastic week!

Today we headed up to Providence, RI to start off our week a little early. We only have a short break until we start up again tomorrow...but we are enjoying every minute of it!

Welcome to Chilly Philly ~ Pennsylvania

2007-02-07T23:08:00.000-05:00

Here we are in Philadelphia...this is the third city on our tour and it feels like sub-zero temperatures...welcome to the North!!! We are spending this week in and around Philadelphia. Things are going well, Jamila & Maggie of the King of Prussia office of the March of Dimes have given us a very warm welcome!
We started off the trip on the radio...we taped a Clear Channel interview with a very well informed and longtime March of Dimes volunteer, Lorraine Ballard Morrill...thanks again for having us!
Then it was straight to the good stuff...Zeek let off some steam at the Please Touch Children's Museum. Here he is actively building a tree house in one of the many exhibits he played.
He also showcased his skills in the home, teaching all the ladies in the group just how ironing is supposed to be done...something his mom Betty says he is actually starting to help with, well maybe not the ironing, but we learned Zeek and his brother Emanuel already sort their clothes and help with the laundry :)!!
Next stop...the supermarket. Zeek had a fantastic time here...he shopped up a storm and even served us lunch!
Then it was off to some real lunch...a local favorite and a continuing March of Dimes National Ambassador favorite...Jim's Steaks for some good'ole Philly Cheesesteaks!!!

But it was back to work at Health Partners...local sponsors here in Philadelphia. Zeek accepted a $5000 check with his picture on it...he also inquired if it was real, and where he could spend it!! Keep up the good work Zeek! And not to worry that money is going to help save babies...Zeek was pretty happy with that decision!
Our last stop of the day was at Communities in Schools...another longtime supporter of the March of Dimes...Zeek took a few minutes to sign his cards. An activity you can see he is VERY serious about!!
Then Betty had the opportunity to share their story and encourage the Walkers to come out on April 29th for their local Center City WalkAmerica!!
Before our visit was over...Zeek made sure everyone walked out of there with an autographed edition of his famous card!!!
We ended the night with a fantastic dinner at Continental where the local Star Chef cooked us up some fantastic meals (not even on the menu)!! We felt very privileged and barely walked away we were so stuffed!!

Walking in Memphis ~ Tennessee

2007-02-05T22:31:00.000-05:00

After a few days off, it was back on the road...and heading south, straight to Beale St. in Memphis, TN. Betty, Zeek, and Todd Grantham got some southern cooking at the Blues City Cafe.

We then checked into the famous Peabody Hotel...it had already been a long day, and we knew we were getting up nice and early, so it was lights out!

First thing this morning we made our way to the Urban Child Institute to meet Mayor A.C. Wharton of Memphis. Zeek and Mayor Wharton exchanged cards, Betty shared their story, and the Mayor deemed February 5th, March of Dimes Day in Memphis, TN!!!
Oh...and did I mention, Zeek recieved the Key to the City of Memphis...have you ever seen a more proud little man! Great job Zeek!!!
One stop you can't miss while in Memphis...that's right!!! Betty and Zeek toured GRACELAND!

Zeek was pretty impressed by Elvis' private plane as well...the Lisa Marie!

After we finished up at Graceland...we took a quick (and chilly) stop to check out the real Mississippi River. Don't Betty and Zeek look just as pretty as a postcard?

Thanks to our good friends and one of our wonderful sponsors FedEx...Zeek and Betty got to experience real flight simulator training by a certified pilot at FedEx's flight school in Memphis.

Betty and Zeek sitting in the Captain's seat of this FedEx simulator...if we didn't know any better we could have sworn we were taking off for real!!!

Finally Zeek got to be Honorary Duck Master at the Peabody Hotel's famous march of the ducks...Zeek received an honoray proclamation, and got to guide the famous ducks back to their home up on the roof of the hotel.
Here they go...these ducks get the 'royal treatment' at The Peabody. The hotel really does roll out the red carpet for these webbed-footed friends.

...and what's a better way to end the day than a dinner amongst friends...Zeek and local Memphis ambassadors Jordyn, 2 and Whitney, 6 all got together to celebrate a job well done! These preemies are all doing exceptionally well and working together with their parents to help other babies get their nine months!

Good Times ~ Atlanta, GA

2007-02-04T23:20:00.000-05:00

Betty and Zeek also spent some down time exploring all that Atlanta has to offer...they took in Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic site, Ebenezer Church where he preached, and his gravesite. After the important history lesson, mom and Zeek took in a little (or a lot) refreshment at the World of Coke!!

Zeeks Turns Eight ~ Atlanta, GA

2007-02-04T22:19:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZEEK!!!

Not even a birthday could stop Zeek Taylor from heading out on the road with his mom Betty. They landed in Atlanta, GA last week (Jan 30) and went straight to work! Once the partying was over, Gary Gross of AM 1620 Radio interviewed Betty and Zeek for his weekly half hour community issues segment. They three of them had a lively discussion about tthe rise of prematurity, Zeek's story, and Zeek even got a chance to talk about one of his most favorite things to do...cook!

From there, Betty and Zeek made their first official presentation of 2007 at the Cobb County WalkAmerica Kickoff! Betty moved the room with her heartfelt story and energized the crowd to get out and raise those dollars. Zeek caught a sneak peek around the podium and even got in the last word to thank the crowd for "helping save premature babies."
Betty, Zeek, Lt. Governor, Casey Cagle, and March of Dimes advocate take a moment at the State House in Atlanta to talk about PeachCare Funding, newborn screening, and the Preemie Act. Before the lobbying day ended, Zeek had toured the State House, met with the Speaker of the House, Glenn Richardson, and recieved his own personal gavel...I see the White House in his future!

Taylor Family - White Plains, NY

2007-01-29T11:43:00.000-05:00

Zeek, his parents, and his brother Emanuel, traveled

to the March of Dimes National Office to get in a

little media training before they hit the road...It was a long, hard day, but the Taylor's are ready to start traveling across the country sharing the message of the March of Dimes to help stop premature birth. They will be sharing their personal story all over the coutry in places like, Memphis, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Atlanta, even at the White House in Washington DC!! Let's help them out by passing on their story to all our friends, family and co-workers; with everyone's help we can make a difference and hopefully stop premature birth from affecting families just like the Taylor's!