Wichita, Kansas – Representatives from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open Benefitting KU Wichita Pediatrics presented a check in the amount of $112,721 to KU Wichita Pediatrics on Thursday, Nov. 30. The money represents the proceeds from the 2023 tournament.

“Over the past five years, The Wichita Open has given more than one million dollars to local charities and provided more than 40 million dollars of economic impact for the greater Wichita area,” said Dusty Buell, tournament director. “Partnering with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and KU Wichita Pediatrics continues to improve the lives of local children – this is what community is supposed to look like.”

Representatives from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), the tournament’s presenting sponsor, were on hand to celebrate the tournament’s success. As the state’s only local insurance carrier, BCBSKS is committed to helping local communities.

“We’re constantly looking for ways to make Kansas a better place to live, work and play,” said Matt All, President/CEO. “This event is about so much more than golf. It’s about supporting local businesses, improving our community and supporting families through KU Wichita Pediatrics’ work.”

Over the past several years, KU Wichita Pediatrics has been able to use the proceeds from the tournament to further advance their mission of working together for the health of future generations of Kansas children.

“One of the things that inspires me the most through the relationship with the Wichita Open is that we share the values that are important to the children in Kansas,” said Brian Pate, M.D., chair, Department of Pediatrics Pediatrics, KU School of Medicine-Wichita. “That’s why this is such a strong and lasting partnership, and it will allow us to do this great work for years to come.”

The 2024 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open Benefitting KU Wichita Pediatrics will take place June 13-16 at Crestview Country Club.

_{About The Wichita Open
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open Benefitting KU Wichita Pediatrics is one of three tournaments played every year since the Korn Ferry Tour’s establishment in 1990. In 2022 it contributed $280,000 to local charities and the tournament’s economic impact is $7.2 million annually. It is the mission of the tournament to significantly impact the economy, quality of life and charitable organizations of Wichita, Sedgwick County, and the State of Kansas.}

_{About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
For more than 80 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has built a reputation of trust with its members and contracting providers by providing outstanding customer service while quickly and accurately processing claims; fairly administering benefit plans and contracts; offering programs, services and tools to help members improve or maintain their health; and operating under the highest ethical standards while being good stewards of premium dollars. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and is the state’s largest insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. For more information, visit bcbsks.com.}

_{About KU Wichita Pediatrics
KU Wichita Pediatrics is devoted to the health and wellness of future generations of Kansas children through our dedication to making new discoveries, advocating for children and educating tomorrow's physicians. Its talented professionals provide innovative clinical care with an emphasis on prevention and advocacy and a focus on quality service and safety.}