(Cincinnati, OH, June 10, 2008)¬¬—On June 3rd, Southwest Ohio rose to the occasion and its residents 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 and the Tri-State led the way!

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 women have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.

Dozens of Farmers agents in Ohio contributed to this noteworthy philanthropic achievement. Bill Taylor, Farmer’s District Manager said, “Farmers agents are doing their part to help the March of Dimes improve the health of all babies. It’s our goal to bring babies back to where they belong – healthy and strong,” he said.

Southwest Ohio turned out to build a brighter future for all families by participating in local fundraising events hosted by Farmers Insurance agents over the past several months, ending with a “Poker Run” Ride for Babies, beginning at Charlie’s Throttle Stop in Fairfield on May 31st.   The day was filled with food music, prizes and fun. 

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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