The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota concert series raised $191,000 for seasonal donations for Second Harvest Heartland, Minnesota's largest hunger-fighting organization. Additionally, Blue
Cross matched each dollar up to $25,000 for a full amount of $216,000.

"Blue Cross is an outstanding and creative partner," said R. Jane Brown, executive director of Second Harvest. "Their generous initiative at a difficult time in a year marked by human and natural disasters is truly remarkable and greatly needed. The funds provide both food and hope."

The benefit match extended beyond volunteers soliciting donations at the concerts. Advertisements encouraged online donations, and Second Harvest's November newsletter announced the Blue Cross match.

According to Second Harvest Heartland, each dollar donated results in $9 worth of food, or approximately the amount needed for five meals. Increased donations, due to publicity of the Blue Cross match, will support the distribution of nearly $2 million worth of food.

"This contribution is the latest testament to the generosity of Minnesotans," said Daniel Johnson, director of community affairs and foundation executive director for Blue Cross. "Concert-goers recognized the needs of those who are hungry and willingly responded in a meaningful way. We're thrilled that the Blue Cross concert sponsorship and match made such a difference."

The concert series was a collaboration of Blue Cross, City Pages, 89.3 the Current, and Sue McLean & Associates. The series included concerts by Richard Thompson, Dar Williams, Brian Setzer and the BoDeans.

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