On the football field, a Green Bay Packers first down results in high fives and excitement, as the team extends the drive and has another opportunity to score. Yet for the past two seasons, Packers first downs also have resulted in success off the field, thanks to the Packers' and West Bend Mutual Insurance Company's "First Downs for Charity" program.
Through "First Downs for Charity," West Bend Mutual Insurance Company has made meaningful contributions to the Green Bay Packers Foundation, donating $100 for each first down gained by the Packers at Lambeau Field during the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
With this year's $18,400 donation, the organization has donated a total of more than $38,000 to the Packers Foundation.
"It's important for us at West Bend to give back to the communities in which we do business," said Jim Schwalen, West Bend's vice president of marketing. "The Green Bay Packers Foundation is an organization we are proud to contribute to in support of their efforts in Green Bay and surrounding communities."
Through generous donations and initiatives such as "First Downs for Charity", the Green Bay Packers Foundation is able to make an unparalleled positive impact in the community. As a community-owned team, the Packers focus on recognizing and contributing to deserving organizations both locally in Brown County, and extending throughout the state of Wisconsin, with Packers Foundation grants.
Last year, the Foundation awarded $600,000 to 223 civic and charitable groups throughout the state of Wisconsin, bringing the total distributed by the Foundation to more than $4.8 million since it was established in 1986.
West Bend also takes pride in supporting local and state community charities, bolstering dozens of nonprofit organizations in Wisconsin to give back to the communities it aims to serve.
In addition to making contributions to the Packers Foundation through the "First Downs for Charity" program, West Bend has partnered similarly with the Milwaukee Brewers to benefit the Brewers Community Foundation, as well as the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer) through "Doubles for the MACC Fund."
