The Farmers Insurance Group of Companies, in partnership with The Amanda McPherson Foundation, will assist in building the new Simi Valley Girls Softball Organization Fields.

Representatives from Farmers presented a check to the foundation for $50,000 at the second annual “Amanda” Walk and Family Carnival on Sept. 18 in Simi Valley.

The Simi Valley Girls Softball Organization, in cooperation with the Simi Valley Recreation and Park District, Shea Homes and the foundation, have worked with the city of Simi Valley to secure an appropriate girls’ softball field in the new Big Sky community.

“The Simi Valley Girls Softball league has been in serious need for an appropriate softball facility for much too long. We are proud that Farmers partnered with us to build such a wellneeded home for our local girls. It is our intention to give them (the girls) an environment that fosters the lessons of teamwork, team spirit and lasting friendships,” said Tom Costello, vice president of the foundation.

“We believe charity starts at home, and Simi Valley is the home of our Farmers California state office,” said Jerry Carnahan, Farmers’ senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “The state office has been a part of the Simi Valley community for more than 20 years . . . we believe in taking care of our customers and our communities.”

The Amanda McPherson Foundation was founded in memory of a young girl, and donations are used for research

into genetic birth defects and heart disease.