Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) recently wrapped up its annual fundraising campaign supporting United Way of the Midlands (UWM) during which employees raised over $363,600 and volunteered a total of 164 hours.
UWM is a local organization dedicated to helping the most vulnerable work toward independence through programs fostering basic needs, education and financial stability. For over 30 years, BCBSNE’s annual fundraising campaign has engaged employees in an array of activities to raise funds for the nonprofit.
BCBSNE continued the new tradition this year of offering hybrid fundraising events and volunteer opportunities, allowing all employees to participate in the way they are best able to.
“Continuing to embrace the new traditions of our campaign is essential for meeting our workforce where they are,” said Melissa Acosta, United Way Campaign co-chair and senior director of business optimization at BCBSNE. “This more inclusive approach not only empowers every employee to contribute but also strengthens our commitment to supporting the various communities we serve.”
For the second year in a row, BCBSNE partnered with UWM to offer an in-person volunteer opportunity for employees. Throughout the day on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 134 employees packaged 1,500 hygiene kits for various organizations that UWM supports, including BCBSNE’s adopt-a-school partner, Conestoga Elementary School.
“The volunteer event this year was another great success,” said Jay Warren-Teamer, United Way Campaign co-chair, executive director of the Nebraska Blue Foundation and director of diversity, equity and inclusion at BCBSNE. “The event shows just how many ways there are to give back to your community, and when you’re putting the kits together or writing the inspirational notes to go in each kit, you really feel like you’re making a difference.”
Employees could also volunteer on their own for an organization of their choosing.
Other in-person events employees could participate in included the United Way Campaign Kickoff Carnival, the Play for United Way Board Game Tournament and a Harry Potter themed online escape room team challenge.
The Kickoff Carnival invited employees to purchase tickets to play various carnival games, including ring toss, a carnival cake walk and more.
During the Play for United Way Board Game Tournament, employees got in the competitive spirit and went head-to-head in classic games, including UNO, Sorry, Jenga, Connect 4 and Pictionary. The employee with the most wins at the end of the tournament was named the champion.
In another new event, employees teamed up and worked their way through a Harry Potter inspired online escape room. Teammates worked together to solve puzzles, make calculations and follow clues to escape the virtual castle.
Employees could also participate in virtual events, including Rocket Carwash Sales and the Great Pumpkin Contest.
Rocket Carwash was a collaboration between BCBSNE and Rocket Carwash where employees could pre-purchase a $10 carwash with $6 being donated back to UWM.
The Great Pumpkin Contest had employees get in the spirit of the season by carving or decorating a pumpkin at home and submitting it to be voted on by their fellow coworkers. Employees could then pay to vote on their favorites and the pumpkins that received the most votes were named the Greatest Pumpkins of BCBSNE.
“It made me feel good to be one of the pieces that went into the entirety of the United Way Campaign puzzle,” said Christen Schuler, health data analyst at BCBSNE and campaign participant. “The events also provided a great team building experience, and the pumpkin painting contest allowed me to show my creativity. Plus, when it all goes toward a good cause, it makes it even better.”
The variety of events resulted in almost half of the company’s employees participating to support UWM.
“Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy schedule to support the community this year,” said Melissa Acosta, United Way Campaign co-chair and senior director of business optimization. “Your dedication and hard work during the past few weeks have made a real impact right here in Nebraska. I’m so proud of what we accomplished together and look forward to building on this momentum in the future.”
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