NEW ORLEANS, La. – New Orleans showed its support for “Ride for Pride,” a fundraising promotion that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana hosted with Blue Bikes in June to benefit Project Lazarus. There were an impressive 18,779 Blue Bikes rides taken during Pride Month.
“We are so impressed with New Orleanians’ commitment to making our Ride for Pride promotion a success, in spite of many days of record-breaking heat and stormy weather,” said Michael Tipton, Blue Cross Foundation president and head of Community Relations. “We are glad this led to above-average rides in June, which allows us to make a significant donation to Project Lazarus and contribute to the good work they do in advancing health equity in our community.”
Committing $1 for every ride taken in June, Blue Cross has made an $18,779 donation to Project Lazarus, a nonprofit organization that offers transitional housing, health and wellness services to support people who are living with HIV/AIDS.
“We are grateful to everyone who rode a Blue Bike in June and made the Ride for Pride fundraiser a smashing success. Your dedicated support directly benefits people living with HIV in New Orleans, helping them to live healthy and independent lives,” said Susanne B. Dietzel, Ph.D., Project Lazarus executive director.
"Through Ride For Pride, Blue Bikes riders directly supported the important work of Project Lazarus to empower community members living with HIV/AIDS," said Patrick Urbine, community engagement manager for Blue Krewe, the local nonprofit that manages Blue Bikes. "We want to thank everyone who hopped on a Blue Bike and proudly celebrated New Orleans' LGBTQIA+ community!"
Visit www.BlueBikesNOLA.com to see a map of the bikeshare program’s service area and hub locations. Blue Bikes are placed in neighborhoods throughout New Orleans. Follow Blue Bikes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @BlueBikesNOLA.
PHOTO CUTLINE
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana presents an $18,779 check to Project Lazarus in honor of all Blue Bikes rides taken during June’s “Ride for Pride” promotion.
L-R: Chris Francis, Blue Cross regional sales director – New Orleans; Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, Blue Cross medical director and vice president, Health Quality & Innovation; Susanne B. Dietzel, Ph.D., Project Lazarus executive director; Geoff Coats, CEO of Blue Krewe, the local nonprofit that manages Blue Bikes; and Laura B. Bryan, director, Mayor's Office of Transportation – City of New Orleans.
About Blue Krewe
Founded in New Orleans in 2020, Blue Krewe is a local, community-based non-profit that manages and operates the Blue Bikes program. Recognizing the importance of Blue Bikes as a healthy, equitable, and environmentally-friendly transportation option, local bikeshare enthusiasts - such former Blue Bikes staff, biking and pedestrian advocates, philanthropists and community healthcare advocates - came together to form Blue Krewe. Here at Blue Krewe, we are committed to our mission to provide the Greater New Orleans region with equitable shared micro-mobility solutions that are rooted in and supportive of our community.
The Greater New Orleans Foundation provided critical start-up funding and fiscal sponsorship for Blue Krewe. Blue Krewe's partners include Bike Easy, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans. To donate, volunteer or learn more visit www.BlueKrewe.org.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is committed to our mission to improve the health and lives of Louisianians. Founded in New Orleans in 1934, we are a tax-paying nonprofit health insurer with offices in every major region to serve our customers. We have been recognized for the past four years as an honoree of The Civic 50, named by Points of Light as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. We are a private mutual company, owned by our policyholders, with an independent Louisiana Board of Directors and no shareholders. We invite all Louisianians to visit our website at www.bcbsla.com or talk to us on social media @BCBSLA.
About the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF)
With roots extending over 90 years, the Greater New Orleans Foundation has been connecting generous people to the causes that spark their passion. As one of the most trusted philanthropic organizations in the region, we work every day to drive positive impact through philanthropy, leadership, and action in our thirteen-parish region. In addition to grantmaking, we convene people, resources, and ideas to create intelligent strategies and solutions to meet our region’s greatest challenges. We are proud to serve as a vocal civic leader with our partners to ensure a vibrant, sustainable, and just region for all. Learn more at www.gnof.org.
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