A Utah clothing designer is taking an innovative approach in meshing the bee with philanthropy in an effort to help put food on the tables of families and individuals who often go without.

When Joe Baca, founder of Utah clothing brand Argosy, drew up a concept design of what would eventually become known as “Goldy The Bee,” he knew the creation could be something meaningful, but he sought out feedback from his consulting partner.

Initially, according to Nikki Walker, founder of NWPR & Consulting, the design contained a photo of a black-and-white bee followed by a plus sign and then a microchip.

The finished product shows a blending of art and technology and features an artistic fusion of circuitry wires and the iconic bee symbol of Utah.

From there, the two figured out a way to collaborate with nonprofit organization Silicon Slopes in order to give back to the community.

Courtesy Argosy

Twenty-five percent of all sales of the exclusive Goldy The Bee T-shirts and sweatshirts will be donated directly to Silicon Slopes Serves, the philanthropic arm of Silicon Slopes. The goal is sell at least 3,000 pieces of merchandise with the hope of presenting the organization with a $25,000 check during the Silicon Slopes Summit in mid-January, according to a press release. 

“Goldy the Bee is more than just merchandise; it’s a movement,” Baca said. “We’re excited to leverage our brand to support Silicon Slopes Serves and its mission to eliminate hunger in our community. Together, we can make a significant impact.”

The collaborative campaign runs through Feb. 1, 2025, so funds raised up until that point will continue to be donated.

Food scarcity remains a key issue in Utah. According to Feeding America, more than 414,000 people in Utah are facing hunger; around 143,140 of those are children.

The issue isn’t lost on leaders and employees at Silicon Slopes. The nonprofit sponsors the 1 Million Meals service event yearly, which benefits the Utah Food Bank.

In August, the Daily Herald reported on a partnership between Silicon Slopes and the Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation to pay off $2.8 million in school lunch debt amassed by children in school districts across the state.

“This partnership with Argosy is a fantastic example of how the tech and fashion industries can come together for a greater purpose,” said Clint Betts, founder and CEO of Silicon Slopes, as part of the release. “Goldy The Bee not only symbolizes our collaborative spirit but also serves as a beacon for charitable initiatives that truly matter.”

Baca has curated Utah-based design work for years, so to be able to use his passion for fashion, art and philanthropy in such a way is humbling.

“It means everything to me to be able to play my part, and that obviously makes it gratifying,” he said. “But at the same time, I feel like I’m doing what I should be doing.”

Argosy is a luxury streetwear brand that’s still in the start-up phase itself. Baca said the company is dedicated to blending fashion with purpose. Its full lineup of merchandise is slated to launch sometime in early 2025.

In regards to “Goldy,” the emblem is designed to be versatile, with the capability of carrying logos from various companies, allowing them to raise money for their specific charitable causes, according to the release.

“This unique approach enhances community engagement and showcases the innovative spirit of both Argosy and Silicon Slopes,” the press release noted.

Those interested in supporting this initiative to tackle hunger in Utah can visit goldythebee.com.