Baptist Easley CEO Michael L. Batchelor and his daughter Hannah during the March of Dimes kickoff at the Hospital.

EASLEY — Children of Baptist Easley employees and the community watched a puppet show, heard a story, and decorated a cookie while learning about the mission of the March of Dimes. Children, accompanied by their adult sponsors, met in the hospital cafeteria from 5:50-6:30 p.m. on March 25. Children were sponsored by adults at $10 per child, with all proceeds going to the March of Dimes.

“We wanted children to understand the needs of others in our community and to learn what it means to give back,” Baptist Easley CEO Michael L. Batchelor said. “We are planting a seed here, for the future of our community.”

Batchelor’s 8-year-old daughter, Hannah, along with her mother, Kami Batchelor, put on a puppet show. Hannah also shared her experience of what it was like to be a hospital patient on a holiday. Because of that experience, she visits children in the hospital one holiday every year.

Baptist Easley is supporting three national fundraising events in a “March madness” campaign known as Because We Care. During the month of March, employees are raising money through various events and activities to benefit the March of Dimes, American Heart Walk, and Relay for Life. A Silent Auction open to the community will be held on Thursday from 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. in the hospital concourse. All proceeds will be divided equally among the three charities.

March of Dimes community director Erin Reid challenged the children to pledge their own support. The total pledged from the children was $3,544.

Amanda Taylor, Nurse Manager of the Birthplace, is the March of Dimes chair for Baptist Easley. Batchelor is March of Dimes chair for Pickens County. Jax Stallard is Pickens County ambassador for the March of Dimes.

The total goal for Pickens County is $135,000.