WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., JUNE 16, 2006 – In an historic day for the March of Dimes on June 14, Farmers Insurance agents and employees exceeded their goal to raise a million dollars in a day.  Thanks to the dedicated work throughout Farmers and the generosity of the public, “Be A Hero For Babies Day” went well beyond the $1 million mark, reaching $1.4 million.
“They had an ambitious goal but community response was incredible and the outpouring of support was heartwarming,” said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. “These funds will go toward more research and other programs to find and prevent the causes of premature birth – which affects more than 500,000 families in the United States every year.''
“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.''
Examples range from agents in Tennessee inviting a four-year-old March of Dimes youth ambassador and parents to share her difficult beginnings at their meeting that raised $10,000, to an agent and his young children in Washington selling $650 worth of lemonade, to agents in Nebraska hosting a community event picnic for contributors that raised $3,500.
As the nation's third-largest personal lines 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 fight the growing crisis of prematurity and “get babies back where they belong.''