Recognizing Ohio Farmers for an outstanding 2007 campaign:  Steve Andersen, State Executive Director, Pete Dutton, District Manager, Norm Risoya, District Manager, Scott Stice, Senior Zone VP Field Operations, Julie Stark and Deborah Shub, both March of Dimes.

“Be a Hero for Babies Day” Raises $2.9 Million for Premature Babies
More than $48,000 raised in Ohio
Farmers Insurance Program Inspires Heroics in Communities Nationwide

(COLUMBUS, June 22)­­— In the largest single-day fundraiser in March of Dimes history, Farmers Insurance Group raised more than $2.9 million dollars, when 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 $2.9 million, exceeding their goal of  $2 million.

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.

“We call it “Be A Hero Day’ because the work the March of Dimes does is truly heroic” said Paul Hopkins, Chief Executive Officer, Farmers Insurance Group.  “In total, Farmers will contribute more than $4 million dollars to the March of Dimes, thanks to the hard work and true dedication of our agents and employees across the country.”

In Ohio, Farmers Insurance raised more than $48,000 during “Be a Hero for Babies Day.” Farmers Insurance District Managers Norm Risoya (Columbus) and Pete Dutton (Dayton) and their teams of agents and employees led the pack, each raising over $4,700.  

“This is so much more than dollars raised,” said Steve Andersen State Executive Director of Farmers in Ohio. “This is a commitment to the best possible start in life for all children.”

“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 super effort.”

This year Farmers matched up to $250,000 for all donations made on marchofdimes.com/farmers.

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 Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish language Web site at nacersano.org.