Each year, we are reminded of the impact our community partners have on our programs and the people we serve. We're so fortunate to live and work in such a generous community where people are truly willing to extend beyond themselves to positively impact others.

We're especially reminded of that during the Boise State football season, when we're invited, along with St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital, to bring some of our patients and their families to the games for VIP treatment. These kids get to sit up close to the action-packed game, then head down to the blue turf for a meet-and-greet and autograph session with some of the players.

The kids also get to play on the field for awhile, and many remark how thrilled they are to have pieces of the blue turf cling to their clothes. In those moments, they feel like they're part of something really incredible. For many of these kids and families, a Saturday afternoon spent at a Bronco football game is a welcome relief from the day-to-day challenges they face and so bravely meet head on. For a moment, they're just like any other child rowdily cheering their team to victory. For a moment, they are carefree. We are so blessed to have these special children be part of our lives—they're a gift we never take for granted.

It’s heartwarming to see the wonderful culture being generated within a nationally ranked football program: one of grace and generosity, and one that lasts well beyond an incredibly talented group of football players. These players are being taught the value of using their celebrity to positively impact those around them, and will likely do so long after the cheers have silenced and the lights have dimmed following their final game on the blue.

Thanks, Broncos, for letting us share your incredible journey, and thanks for being larger-than-life heroes to an amazing group of kids!