BCBSKS Employees, Foundation Give $264,479 to United Way Campaigns
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) employees, retirees and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation donated a total of $264,479 to United Way campaigns in Hutchinson, Salina, Topeka and Wichita.
“The United Way serves so many of our friends and neighbors across the state through the wide array of programs it funds,” said Matt All, president/CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation. “I am proud that our employees see the value in the work that they do and choose to step up in big ways to support them.”
In Topeka, where a majority of employees work, All presented the United Way of Greater Topeka with a check in the amount of $222,419.09. The amount includes an employee and retiree contribution of $172,419.09, as well as a $50,000 donation from the BCBSKS Foundation.
This year, employees were also able to participate in an in-person volunteer project to support domestic violence advocacy organizations across the state by packing more than 560 hygiene kits. The kits were then distributed to:
Topeka: YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment
Wichita: Harbor House Domestic Violence Shelter
Salina: Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK)
Hutchinson: BrightHouse
BCBSKS employee and Foundation donations in Topeka go to support basic needs of community members and four other impact areas - financial stability; early education; on-grade achievement; and health. Jessica Lehnherr, executive director of the United Way of Greater Topeka, is grateful for the partnership with BCBSKS.
"Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is a leading example of companies that engage employees in serving in the community. We appreciate their donation and our long-standing relationship with them," Lehnherr said. “We know the pandemic has disrupted so many of our daily lives, yet BCBSKS employees continue to support and engage in our community in so many ways. We are so grateful for the continued support to make our community a better place to live, work and play.”
In Hutchinson, Salina and Wichita, employees and the BCBSKS Foundation raised $38,790.44 that will be divided among their respective local United Way organizations. Lawrence employees contributed $3,269.
