"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 Saturday afternoon for the basketball game between University of Wyoming and San Diego State University, you will know that “Wyoming Together” includes the University of Wyoming, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming, and Wyoming Hunger Initiative. Even though the Cowboys came up short in the end, 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 2023 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!
The team of volunteers at Saturday’s launch included Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming, Wyoming Congressional Award volunteers, and Wyoming Hunger Initiative board members.
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 hoop and 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 and Wyoming and to Governor Mark Gordon for joining us.
First Lady Jennie and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming President and CEO Diane Gore were able to chat more about this valuable partnership and awareness during a halftime interview. Sales of hearts wrapped up after halftime—we’ve got just over 500 hearts from Saturday’s donations alone to hang at the Capitol this week.
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.
The Cheyenne Central High School Shop class built these Wyoming Together hearts that would prove to be durable and reliable for not only the basketball game but for the Wyoming State Capitol, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming locations, and the Governor’s Residence.
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.
WyoPrint 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 Laramie County Library System. They provide the use of their Ellison machine, which turns colorful cardstock into displayable hearts, three sheets of paper at a time.
Didn't make the game on Saturday? No worries! Click on the hearts above to purchase your heart for $5. For a $25 donation, not only will we display five hearts with your name, but the First Lady will also send a Valentine to the recipient of your choice. 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!