New Leadership, Same Heart—Christy Policy and the Ladies of Lambeau Prove Tradition Still Powers Change.QQ
For more than a century, community support has been at the heart of the Packers organization. The annual Ladies of Lambeau event is one way the team gives back, supporting those in need of a little extra love.
Launched in 2011 by Laurie Murphy, wife of former Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy, Ladies of Lambeau was created to unite women connected to the Packers organization – from employees and board members to the wives and partners of players, coaches and staff. Each year, the group gathers for an evening of connection and community impact.
When Ed Policy succeeded Murphy as Packers President and CEO in July, it was a “no-brainer” for his wife, Christy Policy, to take the lead on the Ladies of Lambeau event.
“What Laurie created was wonderful,” Policy said. “I think it would be a massive disservice to not carry it on … I’m honored to be a part of it.”
Each fall, the group rolls up its sleeves for a hands-on service project that brings care and encouragement to those who need it most. Past efforts have included packing meals to fight world hunger, painting cheerful wall art for hospital rooms and assembling care packages for expectant military families.
Policy and her family moved to Green Bay in 2012 when Ed accepted the position of vice president and general counsel for the Packers. Though she had participated in previous Ladies of Lambeau events, this year was the first year she had the opportunity to choose which cause the women would champion.
After learning about the significant number of children in the Brown County foster care system, Policy was struck by the need for greater awareness and support. As she dug deeper, she felt called to focus on one group in particular: children ages 10 to 17, often referred to as the system’s “invisible population.”
More than 340 children are currently in foster care in Brown County, with 10 to 15 more entering out-of-home care each month. Nearly one-third are between the ages of 10-17.
Policy saw the Ladies of Lambeau gathering as the perfect opportunity to bring attention to the issue she called “gut-wrenching.”
“I wanted to keep it simple and very local so that it was very visceral to the participants,” she said of choosing her first cause to support.
“I truly believe that nothing is more important than the welfare of our children,” she added. “As a mom and part of the Packers family and community at large, that part is very personal to me.”
