WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.,  JUNE 13, 2007 - Everyday people became heroes for babies as Farmers Insurance agents led communities across America in exceeding their goal of raising more than $2.6 million for “Be a Hero for Babies Day” on June 7. 

The $2.6 million brings Farmers' total contribution to the March of Dimes this year to more than $4 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.  Farmers Insurance matched all public donations made via marchofdimes.com/farmers, up to $250,000.  Last year, Farmers raised $1.44 million in one-day, exceeding their million-dollar-goal.

“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.”

Through carwashes, golf outings, pancake breakfasts and pie throwing contests, Farmers agents help March of Dimes programs such as NICU FAMILY SUPPORT, which brings hope and comfort to families with a baby in neonatal intensive care units.

“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,” said Paul Hopkins, CEO of Farmers Insurance. “This is one of the proudest days for me personally and for this entire organization. This is thanks to our hard-working Farmers agents and employees across the country who share my dedication in giving back to the communities where we live and work."

As the nation's third-largest personal property and casualty insurance group, Farmers is committed to improving 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.

The March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.  For more information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org for Spanish.