"Wyoming Together” is a motto that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming has adopted and continues to live by as showcased once again with the annual #heartsforhunger partnership with Wyoming Hunger Initiative. If you were in Laramie on Tuesday evening for the men's basketball game between University of Wyoming and Fresno State, you will know that “Wyoming Together” includes the University of Wyoming, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming, and Wyoming Hunger Initiative. The Pokes once again played their hearts out and there was no shortage of hearts being purchased to support Wyoming Hunger Initiative Infrastructure Grants for anti-hunger organizations statewide.
Every $5 heart purchased at the game will be displayed with the donor’s name (or the honoree of their choice) at the Wyoming State Capitol through the 2025 legislative session. These small but mighty donations have the power to make a tremendous impact; last year’s campaign brought in enough money to fund four unexpected infrastructure grants to the tune of nearly $20,000. We can do so much more together, proving that Wyoming Together isn’t just a catchy slogan. It’s the Wyoming Way!
During the first media timeout, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming President and CEO Diane Gore and First Lady Jennie Gordon were presented with a customized basketball to mark the game sponsorship and their partnership. We are so thankful to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming for sharing their platform to increase awareness about food insecurity as well as allowing this basketball game to be the launch of the annual #heartsforhunger campaign. The dynamic duo returned to the stage during the halftime interview where they chatted about this valuable partnership and awareness. Sales of hearts wrapped up after halftime with a record 627 hearts being sold.
We often speak to the power of partnerships and this campaign is no different. In addition to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming pledging to match the first 1,000 hearts sold and leveraging their basketball sponsorship to highlight the #heartsforhunger campaign, many other partners joined the team this year to increase the reach.
Cheyenne Board & Brush stepped up to the plate to ensure that the "Wyoming Together" logo was proudly displayed on each heart and what’s more is that they donated all of their time and supplies to the cause stating that this was their way to support an incredible cause. Their generosity didn't stop there - they are offering a sold-out class on February 6th with 20% of the proceeds designated for the #heartsforhunger campaign.
Wyo-Print of Cheyenne donated a portion of the t-shirt cost to ensure that all basketball game volunteers could be identified as they sold hearts prior and during the first half of the game. You may have noticed a WyoPrint logo on the sleeves of all of the t-shirts.
Speaking of partnerships, Wyoming Hunger Initiative and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming could not produce the number of hearts necessary for purchase without our friends at the Boys & Girls Club of Cheyenne. They provide the use of their Ellison machine, which turns colorful card stock into displayable hearts, two sheets of paper at a time.
Governor Gordon also proclaimed February #heartsforhunger month in Wyoming last week as we honored the many partners who come together to make this campaign a success. Partnerships are everything at Wyoming Hunger Initiative and with this crew, we can do anything!
Haven't purchased a heart yet? No worries! Click on the image above to purchase your heart for $5. Together, our mighty hearts will continue fighting food insecurity by providing support to food pantries statewide and raising awareness for this very real challenge. Thank you to everyone who partnered to make this event possible, purchased a heart, and spread the word about Wyoming Hunger Initiative!
UW Basketball Game Photography: Janelle Rose Photography
Other images included
Kommentarer