A Friday night fundraiser sponsored by the Tri-Cities Kiwanis of Florala, Lockhart and Paxton, Fla., raised more than $1,500 to help treat maternal neonatal tetanus in third world countries.

The event was held at The Havana House in Florala. Through donations, the club raised $1,653, which will be sent to Kiwanis International.

“Maternal Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) is threatening the lives of babies born in the world,” said Ann Shields, fundraiser organizer and Kiwanis member.

“Every nine minutes, a newborn baby dies and a mother can only watch,” she said. “This unfortunate truth was unknown to me until I joined the Tri Cities Kiwanis last year when we opened our business in Florala. Death by tetanus is so easily preventable with only $1.80 worth of shots to the expectant mother.

“Kiwanis International and UNICEF have combined efforts in the world to ensure that babies receive a fighting chance to live, instead of writhing in excruciating pain within three days of their birth,” she said.

Those wishing to contribute to this tax-deductible project should contact Ann Shields at The Lake House at 334-858-2070 or any Tri Cities Kiwanis member.