Fundraising for BeeKC at KUMC!

Dear Kansas City Community,

Honey bees are essential to human health and wellness in the Kansas City community, and right now, they need your help.

Pollinators, such as honeybees, are responsible for approximately one-third of the food we eat, including many fruits, vegetables, and nuts. In Kansas City’s urban environment, cultivated honey bees are especially important. Green spaces and gardens across the city — including the vegetable gardens on the KUMC campus that supply the THRIVE Food Pantry — rely on cultivated honey bees to grow fresh food for those in need.

So, who helps make this pollination possible? BeeKC.
BeeKC is a local nonprofit that maintains over 150 honey bee hives throughout the KC metro, including 11 on the KUMC campus. This year, however, BeeKC experienced devastating hive losses, mirroring nationwide pollinator declines. They need our help to rebuild and sustain these vital colonies.

That’s where Operation Pollination comes in.

In partnership with BeeKC, EARTH (Environmental Advocacy for Resilient, Thriving Health) at KUMC is raising funds to support these 11 hives. These bees pollinate campus gardens, enrich healing green spaces, and contribute to food access for the Kansas City community. The hives also serve as a site for education and outreach, connecting people to the relationship between nature and human health.

BeeKC has generously installed the hives free of charge, but each hive costs over $1,000 per year to maintain. This ongoing maintenance is critical to prevent further hive deaths. Your gift will directly support hive care, pollinator protection, and community education that benefits the students, patients, and visitors who rely on KUMC as a place to learn, heal, and grow.

DONATE NOW!

Even though our fundraising drive has ended, please email Dr. Bhattacharya at sbhattacharya@kumc.edu if you would like to donate. Every dollar counts!

Thank you for helping us build a healthier, more connected Kansas City. Every gift makes a difference.

You can follow our progress by following us on Instagram @EARTH_KUMC.

Thank you!

GET INVOLVED!

2025 Action Teams!

Click here to sign up!

1. Reach net carbon neutrality within the University of Kansas Health System: Work with the Health System to make steps to achieve carbon neutrality.

2. Keep Bee KC at KUMC: Help support efforts to maintain the efforts of BeeKC on campus.

3.  Promote using re-usable cups at KUMC Spokes Cafe: To reduce waste of single-use cups, work with Spokes to promote and incentivize reusable cups brought from home. 

4. Encourage and promote waste reduction practices at KU events: Work with Communications to encourage all KUMC small and large events (department potlucks to outdoor fairs) to use sustainable goods like washable plates, cups, and utensils.

More pics below and on following link: Gallery