PROVIDENCE – Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is seeking applications for its eighth annual Blue across Rhode Island, a daylong event providing support to community service organizations working to improve the health and well-being of Rhode Islanders.
This year’s Blue across Rhode Island comes during Blue Cross’ yearlong 80th anniversary celebration, and is also part of the company’s 80 Acts of Kindness – It’s What We Live For, according to a statement from the company. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 26.
The community service-inspired campaign encourages Blue Cross employees to expand the company’s roster of volunteer activities, as well as member- and community-focused initiatives to no fewer than 80 in 2019. During the day, more than 75 percent of the Blue Cross workforce engages with nonprofit agencies around the state to help accomplish tasks that would otherwise not have been completed in a single day.
“For 80 years now, Blue Cross has had deep-seated Rhode Island roots and an unwavering commitment to our community,” said Carolyn Belisle, Blue Cross managing director of community relations. “Blue across Rhode Island is a demonstrable commitment to our vision to passionately lead a state of health and well-being across Rhode Island. The impact of this day of service can be seen and felt across dozens of Rhode Island communities for the benefit of thousands of Rhode Island residents.”
The Blue across Rhode Island initiative has provided more than 24,000 volunteer hours to projects such as building playgrounds, renovating women’s shelters, upgrading outdoor green spaces and providing meals to those struggling with food insecurity. Blue Cross also provides each organization with a $5,000 grant to support expenses incurred for the volunteer project. In all, Blue Cross has provided $380,000 in funding since the first Blue across Rhode Island in 2011.
To qualify for Blue across Rhode Island, organizations must have tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status. Learn more and apply online at www.cybergrants.com/BCBSRI/BARI.
Rob Borkowski is a PBN contributing writer.
