Bank's annual Holiday Display raises $76,650 for hunger prevention

MILWAUKEE, Feb. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- M&I, a part of BMO Financial Group, is pleased to announce the donation of $76,650 to Milwaukee's Hunger Task Force. As part of the annual Holiday Display at M&I, now BMO Harris Bank, the bank committed to contributing $5 to the Hunger Task Force for each guest who visited the downtown lobby in support of the organization's efforts to prevent hunger and malnutrition in our communities.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120213/CG52512)

Kara Kaiser, Regional President, BMO Harris Bank, presented the check for $76,650 to Sherrie Tussler, Hunger Task Force Executive Director, on February 12 in the Hunger Task Force warehouse. The final donation total, which was the result of over 15,000 Holiday Display visitors, was revealed Sunday with the help of Milwaukee Bucks' point guard Brandon Jennings and Bucks' mascot Bango. With each slam dunk made on court, a new number of the grand total was revealed by the children of M&I employees volunteering at the event.

"This year we added something truly special to our beloved annual tradition in Milwaukee with hopes of bringing joy to families not only during the holidays but all year long," said Kaiser. "The Hunger Task Force plays a crucial role in upholding the well being of our community, and to be part of their movement was an opportunity we couldn't pass up."

"Hunger Task Force salutes BMO for giving the community such a family friendly way to make a difference to a hungry neighbor," said Tussler. "Being able to enjoy a holiday tradition while having a positive impact on the community is a win for everyone involved. We appreciate BMO's leadership and friendship."

A 39-year tradition, the M&I Holiday Display features the bank's collection of 150 life-sized costumed animals each year in the downtown Milwaukee lobby. This past year's Holiday Display, It's Toy Time at the North Pole, featured animals dressed as North Pole toy makers, crafting toys and wrapping presents. The annual display is free and open to the public.

About M&I, a part of BMO Financial Group:
Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified North American financial services organization. With total assets of $477 billion as at July 31, 2011, and more than 47,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.

About Hunger Task Force:
Hunger Task Force makes sure donations stay Free & Local. Last year ten million pounds of food were delivered free of charge to 80 food pantries, soup kitchens and homeless shelters right here in Milwaukee. Hunger Task Force believes that every person has the right to adequate food obtained with dignity. We work to prevent hunger and malnutrition by providing food to people in need today and by promoting social policies to achieve a hunger free community tomorrow.

SOURCE BMO Financial Group

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