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On Saturday, June 20th, Rock Creek Ranch was transformed into a haven for poker and baby lovers. Farmers Insurance successfully coordinated an event that included Texas Hold’Em, good food, and exciting prizes all for a great cause – saving the lives of babies.
With over $35,000 raised, 100% of the net proceeds from the 1st annual Farmers Agents for Babies poker tournament will benefit the Dallas Division of the March of Dimes Foundation, which funds life-saving research, advocacy, education and community service projects to prevent premature birth, birth defects, and infant mortality.
Not only were the “cards stacked” in favor of babies, but there was also a “full house,” with more than 145 people in attendance for the inaugural event, including WFAA sports guru, Ted Madden, and Kevin Mathis, veteran football player for the Dallas Cowboys and the Atlanta Falcons. “I had a fantastic time playing in the tournament tonight,” said Mathis. “I am a father myself, and I feel honored to support Farmers in their efforts to raise money for the March of Dimes.”
Many eager players gathered around tables in the Rock Creek Ranch pavilion in McKinney to compete in the hopes of winning the $10,000 seat at the main event of the World Series of Poker! In this year’s tournament, “girls ruled,” with Karen Norman of Joshua, taking home the coveted prize and Renee Deden of Southlake, winning the silver medal, taking second place and a $450 seat at the WinStar World Casino Satellite Tournament and a wide-screen television, valued at more than $800. Many other great prizes were awarded, including two tickets to the March of Dimes Breakfast with a Champion, featuring Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, on December 2nd at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.
Other companies collaborated with Farmers to make this event a success, including Herb’s Paint & Body, who donated full plates of Texas-style food, in an effort to support the March of Dimes. “We try to cook at every event to help give every baby a healthy start.” explained Jimmy Don Burris, owner of Herb’s Paint & Body.
Twenty-five Farmers employees and their family members volunteered their time to run the event. “Having our district managers and agents support this cause is what we do by giving back to help build strong communities and have more babies live a long and healthy life,” said Jim Swope, vice president and executive director of North Texas.
Also present was the Aron Family, 2007 Ambassador Family for the March of Dimes Dallas Division, who shared the inspirational story of how the March of Dimes positively impacted their family, when their lives were taken by storm with the premature birth of their twin son, Jake and Josh, who were born 17 weeks early. Jake Aron, who is now 7 years old, stole the show with his rendition of, “These Boots Were Made for Walking,” on the guitar. “This is the reason why we exist, so that we can bless children and give them a day that is truly theirs,” said Ronnie Burnside, owner of Rock Creek Ranch.
Tim Martin, Farmers district manager, and his staff worked for two months to put the tournament together, mainly because of their belief in the mission of the March of Dimes. “The March of Dimes is our favorite charity and we do something for them every year and love it! The March of Dimes has impacted my family in a very big way and this event had surpassed our expectations in every way,” says Farmers employee, Sharon Nelson.
