Our Community Spotlight Events offer First Bank additional opportunities to support and raise awareness for qualified nonprofit organizations and community groups. Typically hosted at one of our branches, these events provide a unique platform to showcase local organizations and facilitate fundraising efforts. Previous Community Spotlight Events have featured activities such as art auctions, art sales, wine tastings, and even a calendar unveiling.
July 2018 - Petersburg
First Bank's Board of Directors, Officers, and Branch staff organized events in Petersburg that raised over $18,000 for the Petersburg Medical Center (PMC) Foundation. Community members donated $7,000 at First Bank's Spotlight Event, which First Bank matched with an additional $5,000. The total also included a $5,000 First Bank Community Development Grant for the PMC scholarship fund. Other contributions from First Bank included a $500 scholarship for the annual "Paddle Battle" race, benefiting the Foundation, and a silent auction at our Petersburg branch that raised $530. These funds are designated for continuing education to ensure essential medical services remain available in Petersburg.
July 2017 – Sitka
A Spotlight Event in Sitka successfully raised over $15,000 for Youth Advocates of Sitka (YAS), a non-profit mental health agency that provides essential mental and behavioral health services to youth and their families. Initially, First Bank contributed a $5,000 Community Development grant to YAS. Community members then donated $7,200 at the Spotlight Event, to which First Bank added $3,000 in matching funds. In addition to offering mental and behavioral health services, YAS operates the only housing facility in the state for youth ages 10-12, providing emergency care, temporary care, and a structured group home environment.