Cigna has been one of our valued partners for the past two years, volunteering to support our food and nutrition program, Chicken Soup Brigade, which provides as many as 10,000 medically-tailored meals and nutritious groceries a week to more than 2,500 people living with serious illnesses.
“Focusing on vulnerable populations was key for us in choosing Lifelong as a nonprofit partner,” said Lisa Chang, Director of Sales Operations and Chief of Staff for Cigna's Pacific Northwest market. “When you’re coming out of the hospital, the last thing you want to do is go grocery shopping or cook yourself a meal. Lifelong helps with that and also provides vital wraparound services for housing, job support, and other things that can impact people’s health – it’s so important.”
Just this week, a group of Cigna’s staff rolled up their sleeves and volunteered in our kitchen in Georgetown, where they saw first-hand how their support helps those in need. In a mere four hours, the group helped prepare 560 culturally relevant and medically-tailored meals of suugo suquar (a Somali pasta dish).
“We must recognize that when it comes to all of the things that affect one’s health – access, care, nutrition, information, etc. – some people may need a bit more assistance than others, and that’s why it’s important for us to support organizations like Lifelong,” said Kriquette Andrews, Customer and Client Engagement Director for Cigna.
At Lifelong, we provide access to nutritious food, stable housing, and other basic resources because we understand the vital role these play in someone’s health. Our wraparound model of care addresses these needs, especially for marginalized communities who face injustices because of our broken systems.
Cigna is also sponsoring this year’s Dining Out For Life event, taking place Thursday, September 30. This year’s event is more important than ever to support our community, as COVID has amplified existing health disparities in Washington State, disproportionately affecting those living with serious illnesses, including the BIPOC community and low-income individuals.
“There are so many social and economic factors that affect someone’s ability to achieve their best health, and if we don’t make a collective effort to address these challenges in our healthcare system, people will continue to fall through the cracks,” said Kriquette. “That’s why it’s so important that we partner with our community and work together to close the gap on health disparities.”
As restaurants and people throughout the region are looking for ways to make the biggest impact in their neighborhoods, Cigna and the Cigna Foundation are inviting their staff, along with all of you, to join them to support the communities where they live and work at this year’s event. You’ll find the Cigna party on Thursday, September 30 at participating restaurant Bateau, where Cigna employees and their families will be enjoying a fun-filled evening of food, friends, and community connections, while giving back to help those who need it most.
“We are all still impacted by the pandemic and we couldn't think of a better moment to reconnect, to recognize, and to celebrate our community while driving additional awareness and support to Lifelong,” said Lisa.
FEED YOUR HOOD FOR GOOD ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Lifelong needs support from people like you at this year’s Dining Out For Life event, presented by BECU! More than ever before, our neighbors living with serious and life-challenging illnesses are fighting for their health, but they shouldn’t have to do it alone.
Join us for Dining Out For Life and feed your hood for good on Thursday, September 30 at a restaurant near you, and you’ll be helping us reach our goal of $150,000 to support our services!
Best of all: Cigna is matching all donations up to $10,000 starting Thursday, September 23 to Wednesday, September 29.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to double your impact!