Farmers “Be a Hero for Babies Day” Raises $103,000 in Missouri
11-Jun-08 |
(St. Louis, June 11, 2008)¬¬—On June 3rd, Missouri rose to the occasion and became heroes for babies. For the third consecutive year, Farmers insurance agents led efforts across the state for the company’s “Be a Hero for Babies Day,” raising more than $103,000. Across the nation, Farmers agents and employees raised more than $3.2 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 Missouri contributed to this noteworthy philanthropic achievement. Jim Swope, Executive Director of Farmers in Missouri, 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.
“Our agents and employees around the state held golf tournaments, auctions, bowl a thons, poker nights and a range of other fun activities to raise funds,” Swope added. Some got up before dawn for Farmers’ Big Bass Splash at Lake of the Ozarks.
Every year more than 10,000 babies in Missouri and half a million babies in the United States 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 Deborah Kersting, Missouri executive director of the March of Dimes. “Farmers agents and their supporters are all heroes for healthy babies.” 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. Missouri information is available at marchofdimes.com/missouri.
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Donating is easy online, by phone or mail / fax.
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