36 Military Moms-To-Be Get Dream Baby Shower Courtesy of March of Dimes and Operation Shower

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Farmers Insurance Open and PGA TOUR Host the Event

TORREY PINES, LA JOLLA, Calif., Jan. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thirty-six expectant military moms are receiving the baby shower they deserve at the PGA TOUR's Farmers Insurance Open hosted at legendary Torrey Pines Golf Course, courtesy of nonprofit partners March of Dimes and Operation Shower.

The moms-to-be are receiving gift boxes filled with baby supplies, clothing, toys, books and much, much more courtesy of Kmart, Ashford University, Farmers Insurance and many other generous donors.

"Kmart is thrilled to support the March of Dimes and Operation Shower," says Mark Snyder, vice president and chief marketing officer for Kmart. "In addition to our donation, we want to thank all of the new military moms for the sacrifices and contributions they and their families make to better our country each and every day."

During the event at the Military Appreciation Tent, the March of Dimes and Operation Shower announced plans for another special delivery to new moms with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at San Diego Naval Medical Center.

The March of Dimes and Operation Shower began their partnership in 2009 to recognize the sacrifices of military moms-to-be and to support military families. They partner to organize baby showers for expecting families in the armed services.

"Operation Shower is honored to be at the Farmers Insurance Open and to continue our partnership with the March of Dimes to recognize the needs of military families," says chief shower officer, LeAnn Morrissey. "Operation Shower was founded because we know that moms in a military family hold it all together at home – these moms deserve our support, our thanks, our love, and of course, they deserve a party! We're grateful to have friends like Kmart, Ashford University, Farmers Insurance and other donors who help us bring baby showers to military moms who otherwise wouldn't be able to have them."

"Having a baby can be challenging, but can be even greater when your husband is deployed overseas by the U.S. military," says Jane Massey, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the March of Dimes.

"The March of Dimes believes in supporting moms and moms-to-be and we're grateful for this opportunity to help these military families," says Ms. Massey. "Having a baby is a joyful experience, but it's also one that comes with anxiety and concerns. Being in the military – whether as a serviceperson or as the partner of a serviceperson – can cause extra stress. These showers and our Mission: Healthy Baby® program give families the comfort and support they deserve."

Very high levels of stress, such as the stress caused by a deployment, may contribute to premature birth or low birthweight in full-term babies. Military moms and dads can request Mission: Healthy Baby materials by sending their name and address to [email protected]. Special brochures are also available by calling 914-997-4257.

The baby shower was hosted by Emmy Award-winning San Diego news anchor Kimberly Hunt. Hunt and her husband, former San Diego Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith, have been honored for their charitable contributions both in San Diego and around the world.

"The Farmers Insurance Open is a huge fundraiser for charities in the San Diego area," said Kevin Kelso, Chief Marketing Officer of Farmers Insurance.  "Kicking the week off by celebrating local moms and families is the perfect way to honor the community and the spirit of the tournament."

Operation Shower is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that hosts joyous baby showers for military families to ease the burden of deployment. For more information, please visit operationshower.org.

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.

"Together, anything's possible" is the PGA TOUR's charity platform that brings together all of the TOUR's stakeholders – players, tournaments and sponsors, volunteers, charities and fans – to tell the story of the tremendous impact that their collective efforts are having on communities throughout the world. Since the first donation of $10,000 was made in 1938, PGA TOUR events have generated significant funds for local charities.  In fact, the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour have surpassed the $1.5 billion mark in overall charitable contributions.  To learn more about tournament and player charities and how to donate to these causes, visit the PGA TOUR's charity web site at pgatour.com/together.

SOURCE March of Dimes