Company: HealthONE
Headquarters: Englewood, Colorado
Industry: Healthcare
Company Size: Large (annual revenues of more than $250 million)

"HealthONE truly understands the benefits everyone derives from having a robust and vibrant cultural community. As a healthcare company we know that art and culture play a pivotal role in our overall health and well-being, and by supporting the arts, we know we are better able to attract new employees."

- Linda Kanamine, Vice President, Marketing

Objectives
To contribute to the arts by using the company's healthcare resources, to give its employees an enhanced sense of pride in the company, and to raise the company's profile in the community.

Process

• HealthONE, a network of 7 hospitals in metropolitan Denver, developed an alliance with the Colorado Ballet that was initiated by two physicians affiliated with HealthONE, one of whom was on the board of the ballet company, and one of whom was an orthopedic surgeon. Together, they asked HealthONE to consider becoming a sponsor of the Colorado Ballet, which included underwriting specific programs and performances.
• The company agreed to this sponsorship, which now includes sending its physicians, along with physical therapists, to the ballet company's headquarters to provide physicals and physical therapy for the dancers, plus recommending specialists to dancers for injuries and specialized medical care. The company also donated used workout equipment to the ballet company when it expanded its training facilities.
• In exchange, the ballet company offers HealthONE employees and their families discount performance tickets - subsidized in large part by the company - and offers them the opportunity to attend the final dress rehearsal of The Nutcracker Suite each year. The ballet company lists HealthONE in its promotional materials and programs.

Results
This partnership is heightening HealthONE's profile in its area, and is increasing employee pride in the company. It is also helping the Colorado Ballet develop new audiences among HealthONE employees who are taking a new interest in dance and is reducing the healthcare costs for the ballet company. (2004)

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