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Press Releases

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Highmark and Buffalo Bills honor BISON Fund as community hero at home opener

  • $80,000 awarded, 640 Bills tickets donated to local non-profits through program since 2021

Buffalo, N.Y. (September 11, 2025) — Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Buffalo Bills proudly recognized the BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund as the Highmark Community Hero during the Bills' home opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

As part of the recognition, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield presented the BISON Fund with a $2,500 donation to further support their commitment to providing educational opportunities for children in Western New York. The funds will directly contribute to scholarships for deserving students, empowering them to achieve their full potential.

Now in its fifth year, the Highmark Community Hero program champions local heroes who are making a tangible difference in Western New York. To date, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has invested a total of $80,000 through the program and donated more than 640 tickets to local not-for-profit organizations and volunteers.

"The Highmark Community Hero program is a cornerstone of our partnership with the Buffalo Bills. It allows us to shine a light on the incredible work being done by local organizations and individuals, while also providing vital financial support to help them continue making a positive impact" said Michael Ball, vice president, community affairs, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

The organizations being recognized this season include:

  • September 18: HeartBEAT theme: Dr. Leslie Bisson, UBMD
  • September 28: Crucial Catch theme: Ronald McDonald House
  • October 5: Huddle for Hunger theme: Grassroots Gardens
  • November 2: Salute to Service theme: Tunnel to Towers Foundation
  • November 16: Big Brothers Big Sisters
  • December 7: Inspire Change theme: Breaking Barriers
  • December 28: Play 60 theme: Greater Buffalo Adaptive Sports

About Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York is a trade name of Highmark Western and Northeastern New York Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Since 1936, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York has helped millions of people lead healthier lives. Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield employs more than 1,500 people and serves as a key economic driver in the region. As a community-based, not-for-profit health plan, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield contributes significantly to organizations that strengthen and enrich the health of the community. For up-to-date news, facts, and information about the company, leadership, and industry, please visit bcbswny.com or follow us on Twitter. 

For more information, contact: 

Amber Hartmann
716-208-9534
Amber.Hartmann@highmarkhealth.com