| (Minneapolis, MN) JULY 29, 2009 – With carwashes, golf outings, pancake breakfasts and pie-throwing contests, Farmers Insurance agents nationwide led their communities to raise more than $2 million on July 22 to support March of Dimes programs to give every baby a healthy start in life. Agent Bob Curtis helped raise money at his office in Lakeville. His family personally benefited from the March of Dimes when his daughter Isabelle was born with low oxygen levels.
“In the insurance business we talk about having a real life story to tell clients to help them understand the importance of protecting themselves and their families. Now I have one for the March of Dimes to help encourage people to support the organization’s important work,” said Curtis.
Bob and Gail Curtis are thankful to the March of Dimes for pioneering the concept of specialized care for sick newborns. Their daughter Isabelle spent ten days in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) when she was born in 2006.
Farmers Insurance declared July 22 “Be A Hero For Babies Day”. On that day nationwide, Farmers Insurance helped raise $2.6 million, more than $600,000 above this year’s goal. Farmers Insurance also matched public donations to the March of Dimes made online (via marchofdimes.com/farmers) up to $250,000. That brings Farmers' total contribution to the March of Dimes so far this year to more than $4.1 million.
Farmers Insurance is projecting nearly $100,000 raised in Minnesota.
March of Dimes officials said the funds raised will support urgently-needed research and education to help stem the growing crisis of premature birth, the leading cause of newborn death in the U.S.
Curtis educated everyone visiting his office with displays on March of Dimes research and programs. Farmers Insurance is a supporter of NICU Family Support, which brings hope and comfort to families with a baby in NICUs. The March of Dimes has invested over $1.8 million in active research grants at the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic to help uncover the causes of and treatment for birth defects, prematurity and low birth weight.
“We are thankful to say that after 10 long days in the hospital, Isabelle came home on Fathers Day and today is a healthy, busy little girl and now also a big sister,” said Curtis.
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 two decades and includes the time and talents of nearly 18,000 employees and 15,500 agents.
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies®, 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.
|
