The Friday Food Bag Foundation truly began at Holland & Hart! This month, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Holland & Hart for starting what is known today as the Friday Food Bag Foundation and for nearly two decades of support. We are pleased to feature and recognize them as a Visionary Sponsor.

Kasey Schlueter, attorney and Holland & Hart Foundation Cheyenne office committee co-chair, shared a bit about the firm’s history. “Founded in 1947 by Josiah G. Holland and Stephen H. Hart, the firm was built on the principles of aggressive business development, innovative specialization, prospects for advancement, and commitment to its people.” The firm has nearly 500 lawyers across 14 offices. From offices in Cheyenne and Jackson, Holland & Hart provides “legal services to clients statewide and nationally to address a wide array of business issues, with specialized expertise on issues affecting the energy industry, including the oil & gas, mining, and renewable energy sectors.”

Schlueter highlighted that “the founders envisioned a workplace that encouraged full lives and the betterment of its communities through service.” The Friday Food Bag Foundation is truly thankful for the values and drive that led Holland & Hart to begin fighting child hunger.

While one of the firm’s core values is legal excellence, the firm also has heart. In fact, Schlueter expressed exactly that. “The Holland & Hart Foundation, established in 1998 by retired Holland & Hart partner Sam Guyton and his wife Jean, serves as the firm’s “heart,” transforming generosity into meaningful community impact through volunteerism and financial support. This 501(c)(3) organization focuses on creating volunteer opportunities, fostering a greater sense of community among legal and business professionals, and supporting the local and broader communities where Holland & Hart practices.” Additionally, firm attorneys give back through pro bono legal services and a wide variety of public service activities. Attorneys are encouraged to follow their passions and consistently mention that giving back to their communities is a very rewarding part of their careers.

Let’s go back to 2007 when the Friday Food Bag program all began. As part of the firm’s 60th anniversary, each office identified a community service initiative. Schlueter expressed that “the Cheyenne office learned that while many students accessed free or reduced-cost meals during the week, they often faced food insecurity on weekends.” From there, the rest is history.

“Using Holland & Hart Foundation seed money and individual donations, our team purchased non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food items, packed them into bags, and delivered them to schools. Initially limited by resources, we started with 50 bags weekly distributed to Title I schools in Cheyenne,” Schlueter said.

She stated that the “Holland & Hart Foundation’s Cheyenne office committee ran the program for several years out of its conference room. As community support grew—with donations from individuals, firm clients, civic clubs, and churches—the program’s success outgrew our office’s capacity. Working with community partners, we helped establish the Friday Food Bag Foundation as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit.” From 50 bags to over 1,110 bags a week, it is truly remarkable and powerful to see what a kind gesture or idea can turn into. Because of Holland & Hart’s generous heart, each week the Friday Food Bag Foundation continues to come together with the community to fight child hunger.

While we outgrew the office’s capacity and became the Friday Food Bag Foundation, Holland & Hart continues to provide in-kind donations that keep our efforts going. We are so appreciative of Holland & Hart for sharing its office space, for the time and effort dedicated to continuing to support us with required tasks, and ultimately for establishing the Friday Food Bag Foundation.

Jonah Bank of Wyoming recently became a Leadership Sponsor, and we are proud to feature them. We are incredibly thankful for their generosity and are excited to share with you what this bank is all about.

Michele DeHoff, VP and Chief Culture Officer, shared that their mission and culture directly inform their decision to sponsor the Friday Food Bag Foundation (FFBF). “Building a better Wyoming and living by the Jonah Bank Code means doing what has to be done to take care of each other. It’s simple, really.”

Did you know that Jonah Bank of Wyoming was established in 2006 by a group of folks who live and work in Wyoming? DeHoff expressed, “We still believe in old-fashioned, quality banking where your banker is your neighbor, friend, and most importantly, your partner in the community.” It is clear Jonah Bankers care deeply about and are true to their mission. Being a Leadership Sponsor means that they have donated $10,000 since December 2024 and are providing 2,000 children in our community with food for the weekend.

While they pride themselves on providing loans to businesses in our community, it is clear they are about more than that.

DeHoff highlighted that they live by the Cowboy Code (The Jonah Bank Code) created by James P. Owen, author of Cowboys’ Ethics. She shared that the code says “‘when you make a promise, keep it”.

Why did they choose FFBF? DeHoff outlined their reasons. “Our local school districts have identified that roughly one-third of the children in Laramie County schools would not eat well – or at all – on the weekends if not for the work of the Friday Food Bag Foundation. And we know hungry children are more likely to suffer from chronic illness, delayed development, behavioral issues, and poor academic performance. For all of these reasons, supporting the work being done by the Friday Food Bag Foundation is an easy choice. We’re just so grateful to the board, volunteers, and donors for carrying out Friday Food Bag’s important mission.”

Even when being recognized for their generosity, Jonah Bank of Wyoming is very humble and appreciative of community efforts. They truly are community leaders, and we are thankful for their support