DENVER, Colo./On Wednesday, June 14, Farmers Insurance Group will attempt what no other March of Dimes supporter ever has: to raise $1 million in one day for the nonprofit organization.

Billed as “Be a Hero for Babies Day,” the effort seeks to raise funds for March of Dimes healthy-baby programs of research, community services, education and advocacy. These include the Prematurity Campaign, a special March of Dimes public health initiative targeting the common, serious and costly problem of premature birth.

“We are committed to providing the support the March of Dimes needs for its fight against prematurity,” said Paul Hopkins, chief executive officer of Farmers Insurance Group. “If you know someone who has had a premature baby, we hope you will join our campaign to help get premature babies the help they need.’’

In announcing the program, Hopkins urged the general public to participate (along with Farmers agents and customers). He also said that Farmers will match up to the first $250,000 in public donations.

Rion Groves, Colorado state executive director of Farmers, said, “It’s easy to play a part. Just drop by any office in the state and give a tax deductible contribution, or visit our website at www.farmers.com and use the easy online donation form.” Donations to Be a Hero for Babies Day may also be made at www.marchofdimes.com/farmers.

Prematurity (when a baby is born three or more weeks before its due date) has risen 30 percent since 1981. It is the leading cause of death for newborn babies nationwide and in Colorado. In more than half the cases, the causes of prematurity are not known. In an average year, half a million babies in the U.S. are born too soon. This includes more than 8,000 in Colorado. Annual national hospital charges for premature birth amount to an estimated $16 billion.

To address premature birth, the March of Dimes launched the Prematurity Campaign in 2003. It seeks to lessen the preterm birth rate and raise awareness. Over the seven-year campaign, the March of Dimes will invest $75 million nationwide in scientific research and health education.

A national nonprofit health organization founded in 1938, the March of Dimes is dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. To achieve its mission, the organization funds research, community services, education and advocacy. In Colorado, the March of Dimes currently funds $1.7 million in programs. More information is available at www.marchofdimes.com/colorado.

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Media contact
Becky Herlinger
March of Dimes
(303) 692-0011
bherlinger@marchofdimes.com