Farmers Agents And Customers Wear March of Dimes Signature Purple

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Jul 12, 2012, 03:47 ET

Raises $2.5 Million for Moms and Babies

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., July 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Farmers Insurance Group, its agents and customers all across the country wore the March of Dimes signature purple as they raised $2.5 million in a one-day fundraiser called Be a Hero for Babies Day.

Be a Hero for Babies Day began in 2006, and supports March of Dimes education and research programs that help women have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies. Over the 25-plus year partnership with the March of Dimes, Farmers Insurance has raised more than $40 million to help give every baby a healthy start in life.

"For the seventh consecutive year, Farmers agents and employees have shown us how much they care about America's families," said LaVerne Council, March of Dimes National Board of Trustees Chair. "It was a thrill to see everyone at the Farmers headquarters in Los Angeles to TV personalities across the country wearing our signature purple! We are so grateful to our long-time partner, Farmers Insurance, and all who participated in Be a Hero for Babies Day who helped make this one-day fundraiser such a great success."

"I am extremely proud of every Farmers employee, agent, district manager and our customers who helped support this incredible one-day fundraiser," said David Travers, head of operations for Farmers Insurance Group and March of Dimes trustee. "I want to personally thank everyone who participated because nothing is more important than family and improving the health of our children."

Preterm birth (birth before 37 weeks gestation) is a serious health problem that costs the United States more than $26 billion annually, according to the 2006 Institute of Medicine report. Babies who survive an early birth often face the risk of lifetime health challenges, such as breathing problems, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities and others. Even babies born just a few weeks early have higher rates of hospitalization and illness than full-term infants.

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 25-plus years and has donated more than $40 million dedicated to research and education programs to protect infant health.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, 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. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

SOURCE March of Dimes