| June 14 was an historic day for the March of Dimes as Farmers Insurance agents and employees in Oregon and Southwest Washington raised nearly $44,000. Farmers Insurance “Be A Hero For Babies Day” exceeded its goal of raising $1 million nationally, and brought in more than $1.5 million.
“They had an ambitious goal but community response was incredible and the outpouring of support was heartwarming,” said Dr. Jennifer Howse, president of the March of Dimes.
Farmers employees throughout the Greater Oregon Chapter held fundraising events and asked for donations. Agents in The Dalles, for example, sold kisses (the chocolate kind) for $1 and sponsored a barbecue.
Money raised through “Be A Hero For Babies Day” will fund research and programs to prevent premature birth, which affects one in ten babies in Oregon and Southwest Washington and is the leading killer of newborns.
“This first-time achievement shows a commitment by Farmers district managers and agents across the country to help the March of Dimes improve the health of babies,” said Paul Hopkins, CEO of Farmers Insurance. “Not only were our people committed to raising funds, but they had fun on how they approached the day.”
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. |
