BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- BBVA Compass and its customers are helping the March of Dimes raise much-needed funds for moms and babies through a program called BBVA Compass For Your Cause. Through BBVA Compass For Your Cause, BBVA Compass will donate $50 to the March of Dimes for each supporter that ties their BBVA Compass checking account to the March of Dimes. In addition, BBVA Compass will pay the March of Dimes a percentage of the purchase price of all qualifying signature-based transactions supporters make with their check card.

"As a financial institution whose vision is to work for a better future for people, we strongly believe in supporting organizations which help to sustain and strengthen the local communities that we serve," said Manolo Sanchez, BBVA U.S. country manager and president and CEO of BBVA Compass. "This is just one of the reasons why BBVA Compass is proud to support the March for of Dimes. Not only is BBVA Compass For Your Cause an example of how we are placing the client at the center of our business, but it also demonstrates how we are committed to building solutions around the particular needs of the communities in which we operate."

"March of Dimes counts on support from many partners to raise or contribute millions of dollars throughout the year, and with BBVA Compass For Your Cause, BBVA Compass is providing a program that engages employees, volunteers, and March of Dimes supporters in raising funds to help babies get a healthy start," said Jane Massey, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the March of Dimes.

As part of our support of March of Dimes, BBVA Compass employees will join other walkers throughout 27 of its footprint communities, taking part in the annual March for Babies. March for Babies supports efforts to help moms have healthy pregnancies and full-term babies. In 15 of the 27 communities, BBVA Compass will be onsite with door prizes, fun activities and sign-up for BBVA Compass For Your Cause available. The communities which will include those activities are:

For more information on walks in your area or how to participate visit www.marchforbabies.org/bbvacompass. More information on BBVA Compass For Your Cause can be found by calling 1-800-Compass or by visiting our website at www.bbvacompass.com/business/affinity.

About BBVA Compass

BBVA Compass is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates more than 716 branches including 380 in Texas, 93 in Alabama, 65 in California, 77 in Arizona, 45 in Florida, 36 in Colorado and 20 in New Mexico. BBVA Compass ranks among the top 20 largest U.S. commercial banks based on deposit market share and ranks among the largest banks in Alabama (3rd), Texas (4th) and Arizona (5th). BBVA Compass has been recognized as one of the nation's leading Small Business Administration (SBA) lenders, earning 'Lender of the Year' honors in 2009 and 2010. Additional information concerning BBVA Compass can be found on our website www.bbvacompass.com.

BBVA Compass is a subsidiary of Compass Bancshares, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of BBVA (NYSE: BBVA) (MAD: BBVA). BBVA is a financial services group with approximately $740 billion in total assets, 47 million clients, 7,400 branches and approximately 107,000 employees in more than 30 countries. BBVA ranks among the top 20 largest financial institutions in the world based on market capitalization and 21st in Global Finance magazine's list of the "World's 50 Safest Banks" for 2010. BBVA provides its customers around the world with a full range of financial services, including commercial and wholesale banking, retail banking services, consumer loans, mortgages, credit cards, securities brokerage, wealth management, pension plan management and insurance. The BBVA Group maintains a leadership position in Spain, Mexico, Latin America and the Sunbelt Region of the United States, as well as operations in China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. More information about the BBVA Group can be found at www.bbva.com.

Editor's note: BBVA Compass is the trade name of Compass Bank and is a trademark of Compass Bancshares, Inc. Compass Bank, member FDIC.

About the March of Dimes

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defect, 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 BBVA Compass