Announcement of First State Bank 2024 Banksgiving Winners
ST. CLAIR SHORES, MI, December 4th, 2024 –First State Bank is excited to unveil the winners of its fifth annual Banksgiving campaign, an initiative
celebrating local non-profit organizations that make a positive impact in their
communities. This year, following enthusiastic community participation in the
nomination and voting process, five charities have been selected to receive
donations totaling $32,500. The grand prize recipient will receive $10,000,
while four additional organizations will each be awarded $5,000. Additionally,
for the first time, an honorable mention was selected to receive a $2,500
donation.
Banksgiving is a campaign designed to raise
awareness of non-profit organizations that make a positive impact in their
local communities. Since the campaign's inception, First State Bank has awarded
$150,000 to 25 different charitable organizations to help further their
missions.
Grand Prize Winner- $10,000
This year’s grand prize winner is Dutton Farms, an organization built on
the value of empowering and supporting adults with developmental disabilities
to live a life of purpose, inclusion, and dignity. Dutton Farm's skill-building
program enhances participants' vocational skills, promotes independence, and
fosters social inclusion.
The $10,000 prize will be allocated to their Art
Without Limits Program, which provides participants with the opportunity to
explore a diverse range of artistic mediums. Through guided lessons,
individuals can develop their creative skills and produce artwork that reflects
their unique perspectives. The finished pieces will be showcased and sold at
Dutton Farm's Farmers Market, and other community events allowing participants
to earn a commission on their sales.
$5,000 Winners:
iCare of Michigan's mission is to ensure that
families facing hardship receive immediate assistance for their emergency
needs, whether through housing support, food security, or mental health
services, with a commitment to respond within 24-48 hours. They believe in offering
help with dignity and respect, empowering individuals to regain stability and
rebuild their lives.
Macomb Alumnae Chapter- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, is an organization of
college-educated women committed to the constructive development of its members
and to public service with a primary focus on the black community. They plan to
use the $5,000 prize to issue scholarships to graduating seniors in 2025,
enhance their annual Back to School Wellness Event, and mobilize a community
book drive.
Free Bird Initiative exists to provide practical
care and life skills support for survivors of human trafficking and those at
risk to help empower them to keep moving forward in their lives and not feel
like they are defined by what happened to them. The funds will be used to help
the organization obtain a physical location it can use to meet with trafficking
survivors.
Rochester Pollinators’ mission is to provide education & resources to preserve the Monarch butterfly & pollinator population, by reintroducing Michigan native plants into local landscapes including home gardens, businesses, and municipal landscapes, they strive to help local pollinators flourish.
And for the first time, First State Bank has
selected an additional runner-up winner to receive $2,500.
The Ellington Grace Foundation is dedicated to
supporting low-income mothers with babies in the NICU and beyond, ensuring they
have the resources, emotional support, and practical assistance they need.
Their mission is to alleviate the stress of navigating life with a critically
ill or premature infant by providing essential care packages, financial aid,
and community-based support systems.
“We are deeply thankful for the community's engagement in this year’s Banksgiving program,” said Amy Persyn, Chief Marketing Officer of First State Bank. “Every nonprofit nominated does amazing work, and we are thrilled to directly support this year’s winners. We feel all six of the winning organizations have clear missions that will add value to their local community and assist those in need.”
To learn more about this year’s Banksgiving winners, visit fsb.bank/banksgiving.
First State Bank is headquartered in St. Clair
Shores, Michigan. With over 100 years of service
and $1.2 billion in assets, First State Bank
serves Macomb County and Oakland Counties
with 11 branch offices located in Chesterfield
Township, Clinton Township, Eastpointe, Macomb
Township, Richmond, Rochester, St. Clair Shores,
Sterling Heights, Washington Township, and
a Loan Center in Clinton Township. For more
information, please visit www.fsb.bank or call 866-
372-1275.
