Historically, Reliant Energy has been one of the largest corporate sponsors for Houston's March of Dimes. This year, the company put a new twist on its fundraising for the annual March for Babies walking event.

Beards for Babies challenged male employees to grow their best facial hair throughout the month of March (think Movember); a talent show proved which employees should keep their day jobs; and raffle tickets for a new iPad, a basket brimming with Houston Texans gear and an opportunity to meet Matthew McConaughey in person are selling like hot cakes.

But it was the Executive Diaper Derby that brought more than 100 Reliant employees out of their offices and into a large, open space at the Houston Pavilions on Thursday afternoon.

Wondering exactly what an Executive Diaper Derby is? You aren't alone.

Imagine professional women and men racing to put a diaper on a baby doll and clothe it in a onesie and socks, then chug milk out of a baby bottle, wrap the doll in a blanket and push it around the room in a tiny stroller. The first one to complete the obstacles and cross the crepe paper finish line wins.

It's hilarious. And that's only the first heat, which narrows the executive contestants from six to three.

Heat two challenges the remaining executives to dress the dolls in a dozen doll-sized accessories before racing to the finish line. Pat St. Martin, director of business-to-business customer support, proved her dexterity and athleticism by taking the win.

Elizabeth Killinger, the senior vice president of residential and operations for Reliant who is serving her second year on the March of Dimes Houston Chapter, helped to organize the event, which is a reprisal of an old company game (one that required much more running).

Killinger first got involved with March of Dimes after complications with her son's birth nine years ago. She became driven to fund research at the Texas Children's Hospital. She said that Reliant raised upwards of $80,000 last year for March for Babies — and hopes to top that with this year's fundraising efforts.

Ellen Efsic, executive director of the March of Dimes' Texas Chapter Houston Division, told CultureMap that the annual Houston event will raise almost $3.5 million, and draw almost 45,000 participants, including a walking team from Reliant.

The March for Babies event takes place on April 29 at the University of Houston, and one in the Woodlands will take place on April 28.