Published: September 29, 2008 11:21 pm      

March of Dimes to honor Webb

Ashland — Arizona Diamondback pitcher Brandon Webb will be named the March of Dimes Honoree of the Year later this fall.

Webb, an Ashland native, is considered one of the top pitchers in major league baseball. He won the 2006 National League Cy Young Award and has a 22-7 record this season for the Diamondbacks.

Brandon, wife Alicia and daughter Reagan spend the offseason at their home in Boyd County and support many area charities.

The annual award honors an individual whose activities and service have significantly enhanced the community.

The event will take place Nov. 13 at the El Hasa Shrine Temple. A networking session will begin at 6 p.m., with dinner and an awards ceremony at 7. There will also be a silent auction in Webb’s honor.

Former honorees include former Ashland Mayor Steve Gilmore and Majority Floor Leader State Rep. Rocky Adkins of Sandy Hook.

Last year, more than 300 guests in the Ashland area and corporate community attended the event, which proved to be a networking opportunity as well as an occasion to recognize those who make a positive impact on the community.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.

For more information, visit marchofdimes.com/Kentucky or its Spanish language Web site at nacersano.org.

Individual tickets are $125 and can be purchased through the March of Dimes. Corporate and patron table sponsorship are also available. For more information, call Laura Sewell Timberlake at (606) 329-6077, Matt Suman at (606) 547-7428, Lauren Buskey at 329-0703 or Jason Suman at (606) 834-3040.