BlueCross BlueShield Employees Donate $75,000 To Local Charities

Buffalo, N.Y. – BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York employees donated $75,000 to 15 local charities ($5,000 each) today during a presentation at the company’s corporate headquarters. 

The health plan’s 1,500 employees have raised and contributed more than $500,000 to the organization’s “Red Stocking Fund” since 2005.

Established more than 60 years ago, the name of the fund was derived from the literal use of red stockings to collect charitable donations around the holiday season. Today, the largest contribution comes from casual Friday donations, in addition to personal contributions and a number of other year-round fundraising efforts anchored by the employee-led “BlueCrew.” 

“BlueCross BlueShield has a long-standing history of supporting initiatives that enhance the health of Western New York,” said Doug Parks, Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York.  “Our employees exemplify our company’s values by going above and beyond to make a positive impact in our community.” 

Employees are given the opportunity to select the Red Stocking Fund’s receiving charities from a long list of worthy 501(c)(3) not for profit organizations each year. Representatives from each of the 15 selected charities were presented with a $5,000 donation at today’s ceremony. 

This donation is in addition to the health plans corporate giving program, which saw community investments of more than $6 million in 2018. 

The 2019 Recipients

Autism Services, Inc.: Creates meaningful opportunities that enrich the lives of people with autism, their families and their communities 

Black Dog Second Chance: The mission of Black Dog Second Chance is to find the right homes for the dogs in their care and match the best dog with the best family.

Breast Cancer Network of Western New York: Provides education, advocacy, and support for people affected by breast cancer 

City of Buffalo Animal Shelter: Promotes the health and welfare of animals in the care of the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter.

Buffalo City Mission: Offers long-term recovery programs, counseling, work and life-skills training, education assistance and health-care services for homeless men, women and families committed to turning their lives around

Camp Good Day and Special Times, Inc.: Provides services for: children with cancer, children who have a parent or sibling with cancer and/or children who have lost a parent or sibling to cancer

Friends of Night People: Provides food, clothing, medical care, counseling, and hope to those in need

Hospice Buffalo: Provides medical care, emotional and spiritual support to people and their families facing life-limiting illnesses

Make-A-Wish Western New York: Grants wishes to children between the ages of 2 ½ and 18 who are coping with a life-threatening disease

Mercy Flight Western New York: Provides airborne medical transportation and supporting services, ensuring rapid, safe, and cost-effective delivery of expert emergency response personnel, patients, organs, and supplies

Ronald McDonald House Charities of WNY: The mission of RMHC of WNY is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and wellbeing of children.

SPCA Serving Erie County: A charitable community resource dedicated to protecting and providing shelter and comfort to all animals in need

The Buffalo Zoo: Promotes wildlife conservation through up-close animal encounters, engaging educational experiences, and participation in regional and international programs for endangered species 

Kevin Guest House: The mission of Kevin Guest House is to provide a comfortable and supportive home away from home for patients and their families traveling for medical care.

Wings Flights of Hope: The mission of Wings Flights of Hope Inc. is to provide free air transportation for medical and humanitarian purposes.

About BlueCross BlueShield of WNY

BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is a division of HealthNow New York Inc., an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. Since 1936, BlueCross BlueShield has helped millions of people lead healthier lives. BlueCross BlueShield offers a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. As a community-based, not-for-profit health plan, BlueCross BlueShield contributes significantly to organizations that strengthen and enrich the health of our community. 

For up-to-date news, facts, and information about the company, leadership, and industry, please visit the BlueCross BlueShield News Center at bcbswny.com/news or follow us on Twitter.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.