DES MOINES — Six communities in Iowa and South Dakota are receiving contributions ranging from $13,000 to $16,000 as part of Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s 3-Point Play program. In all, Wellmark is awarding more than $85,000 this year to be used for projects that cultivate community health and wellness.
“Wellmark is proud to continue our long history of supporting the well-being of Iowa and South Dakota hometowns through our innovative 3-Point Play program, which encourages sports fans to eat right, move more and feel better,” said Chris Verlengia, Wellmark’s sponsorship manager. “Every season of 3-Point Play provides a new opportunity to partner with civic leaders and engaged residents toward a future of better health. And, we’re excited to collaborate on projects that will make a lasting impact in each of our winning communities.”
During the 2016-2017 football and basketball seasons, sports fans were encouraged to nominate their Iowa or South Dakota hometown each time a successful field goal was kicked or 3-pointer was drained for one of the Division I universities in each state. At the conclusion of the academic year the nominations were tallied and the winning communities notified.
Out of more than 300 hometowns nominated across both states, funding was awarded to initiate or complement community health improvement projects in the following communities:
Iowa
| WINNING HOMETOWN | UNIVERSITY AFFILIATION | AWARD AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|
|
Indianola |
Drake |
$13,340 |
|
Pocahontas |
Iowa State |
$16,640 |
|
Waukon |
Iowa |
$12,920 |
|
Alburnett |
Northern Iowa |
$14,220 |
South Dakota
| WINNING HOMETOWN | UNIVERSITY AFFILIATION | AWARD AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|
|
Arlington |
South Dakota State |
$14,220 |
|
Viborg |
South Dakota |
$14,040 |
Nominate your hometown — new season kicks off this weekend
Wellmark’s 2017-2018 3-Point Play program begins this weekend with the first football games at the Division I universities in each state. Each time you attend a home game at one of the participating universities, you’ll have the opportunity to nominate your community for a chance to receive critical funding for health and wellness programs. Just listen to the game announcer for your cue to participate. If you are not able to attend a game, you can still nominate your hometown.
Since the program’s founding in 2010, Wellmark has provided more than $600,000 to local communities over seven seasons of 3-Point Play. The contributions have been used for projects that build vibrant, active communities. From bike trails to playgrounds to exercise equipment, Wellmark’s 3-Point Play is one of the many ways the health insurer is working to continuously improve the health of both its members and communities.
To learn more about the Wellmark 3-Point Play visit wellmark3pointplay.com.