On June 7th, everyday people became heroes for babies. For the second consecutive year, Farmers Insurance Agents led efforts in communities large and small across America for the company’s “Be a Hero for Babies Day,” raising more than $2.6 million, once again exceeding their goal. The money will support March of Dimes research and education to stem the growing crisis of premature birth, the leading cause of newborn death in the U.S.  Last year, Farmers raised $1.44 million in a historic one-day fund-raising effort, exceeding their million-dollar-goal.

Hundreds of Farmers agents in Michigan contributed to this noteworthy philanthropic achievement.  Farmers agents are doing their part to help the March of Dimes improve the health of babies. It’s their goal to bring babies back to where they belong – healthy and strong.

Michigan Farmers agents rallied both friends and the public to the cause of healthy babies by holding customer appreciation days, BBQ’s, car washes, collecting coin canisters, district office fundraising and many other activities. “On behalf of the babies and families who will benefit from your extraordinary efforts, the March of Dimes wants to thank everyone who participated in “Be a Hero for Babies Day” and made it a success,” said Dr.  Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. “Farmers agents and their supporters are all heroes for the more than half million babies born too soon and we thank them for their tremendous effort.”

This year Farmers matched all donations made on  marchofdimes.com/farmers  up to $250,000. As the nation’s third-largest personal property and casualty insurance group, Farmers is committed to improving the communities where their customers, agents and employees live and work. Farmers’ commitment to the March of Dimes spans more than a decade and includes more than $12 million to “get babies back where they belong.”

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.  For more information, visit the March of Dimes website at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish language website at nacersano.org.