Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Associates Volunteer to Help Wisconsin Organizations During Second Annual Community S...( MILWAUKEE April 25 /- More than 160...),Health

MILWAUKEE, April 25 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 160 Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin associates and their friends and families joined forces today to participate in the parent company's national Community Service Day. These efforts helped 13 organizations across the state, including:

• Groundwork Milwaukee;
• March of Dimes;
• Rebuilding Together; and
• Urban Ecology Center

"At Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield we're committed to improving the lives of the people we serve and the health of our communities," said Steve Martenet, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin. "Our associates give back in a variety of ways everyday and Community Service Day is one more way we are working to make a difference. During these difficult economic times it is more important than ever to collaborate on projects and services that can have an impact on the health and wellness of our community and to help our neighbors who need assistance."

Coinciding with Points of Light & Hands On Network's National Volunteer Week, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield associates participated in many activities, including building community gardens, improving an environmental education center, and performing needed upkeep on a center serving adults who have experienced mental illness.

In 2008, the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation also granted more than $540,000 to community organizations in Wisconsin and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin gifted nearly $125,000 to civic and charitable organizations through its community relations support. Through Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's associate giving campaign, with a 50 percent match from the parent company's foundation, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield associates in Wisconsin pledged more than $1.3 million to help
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