EASLEY—Few things seem to be more important than the poor economy on the minds of many in the Upstate these days. But apparently, the fight for healthier babies is one of them.

Hundreds of volunteers showed up Saturday morning at Easley High School to walk 5.2 miles in the Pickens County March for Babies. The event raises money for the March of Dimes, which is continuing its fight against birth defects.

Totals for the year will not be available for a few days, but March of Dimes Community Director Erin Reid was optimistic.

“Right now, we have more money than we had at this point last year,” Reid said. “I’m hopeful that we may actually reach our goal.”

The goal for this year’s walk was $126,000, which would be $10,000 more than was raised last year. Because of the poor economy, layoffs and other negative things going on in the Upstate, officials were worried about even matching last year’s totals, much less surpassing that and reaching this year’s goal.

“You can’t underestimate these people,” Reid said Saturday, pointing to the volunteers who stuck around for hot dogs and entertainment after the walk. “It’s all because of the hard work they do every year. They have a heart for babies, and it shows in everything they do.”

Kentwool, Trehel Corporation, Cornell Dubilier and Wachovia were recognized as being major sponsors for the Pickens County March for Babies.

Alice Manufacturing, Bank of America, SunTrust and The Easley Progress were also noted as sponsors.

Other awards presented were:

-- Top individual fund-raiser—Pam Durham of Suntrust, who raised more than $3,100. Billy Grant of Fort Hill Natural Gas trailed Durham by just $20.

--Abby Cox was the top youth fund-raiser with ore than $750.

--Top new team – Pickens High School. Denise Hodges and Kelly Sheppard accepted the award.

-- Top Financial team—SunTrust Saluda Bank.

-- Top Retial team—Kmart, led by Carol Morra and Terri Brawdy.

--Top financial team—Shaw Industries led by Colleen Hydrick and Janet Evatt.

-- Top Elementary School—East End Elementary in Easley, led by Emily Simmons.

--Top Middle School—Pickens Middle School, led by Louise Hope.

-- Top High School—Pickens High School, led by DeniseHodges and Kelly Sheppard.

-- Most Money Raised Online—Shaw Industries, led by Colleen Hydrick and Janet Evatt.

--Best New Team T-Shirt—SC Telco, led by Jessican Baker.

--Best Veteran Team T-Shirt—Baby Evan’s Team, led by Kim Smith.

--Top Fund-raising Team—SunTrust, which raised almost $19,000.

--Top Team Captain Award—Colleen Hydrick and Janet Evatt from Shaw Industries..