(Southfield, MI, June 10, 2008)—On June 3rd, residents of Michigan rose to the occasion and became heroes for babies. For the third consecutive year, Farmers insurance agents led efforts across America for the company’s “Be a Hero for Babies Day,” raising $3.2 million. 
This accomplishment exceeds their $2 million goal and set a new single-day fundraising record for the March of Dimes, breaking Farmers’ own record set last year when they raised $2.7 million. The money will support March of Dimes research and education to help moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.
Hundreds of Farmers agents in Michigan contributed to this noteworthy philanthropic achievement. Dan Schrock, Farmers Executive State Director said, “Farmers agents are doing their part to help the March of Dimes improve the health of babies. It’s our goal to bring babies back to where they belong – healthy and strong,” he said.
Michigan turned out to build a brighter future for all families by hosting golf outings, a Texas Houdum Tourney, car washes, a BBQ/can and coin drive and “Dodging Balls for Babies” the first annual dodge ball tournament. 
Every year more than half a million babies are born prematurely. Many are too small and too sick to go home. Instead, they face weeks or even months in the neonatal intensive care unit. These babies face an increased risk of death and serious medical complications. Most will eventually go home and many survivors grow up healthy. But others aren’t so lucky. Even the best of care can’t always spare a premature baby from lasting disabilities.

“On behalf of the babies and families who will benefit from your compassion and commitment, the March of Dimes wants to thank everyone who met the challenge of  “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 generosity.”
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 – healthy and strong.”
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for BabiesSM, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

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