FirstBank Contributed More Than $4.2 Million in 2010 to State Nonprofits
Contributions Make Colorado-Based Bank Third Most Charitable Company in Colorado; FirstBank Gave To Hundreds of Nonprofit Organizations in 2010
LAKEWOOD, Colo., Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstBank Holding Company, the Lakewood-based holding company for the largest locally owned banking organization in Colorado, today announced the results of its annual community investment program. FirstBank, which is owned and operated by its employees, contributed cash donations totaling more than $4.2 million to Colorado nonprofit organizations in 2010. The contributions were made to hundreds of organizations across the state.
According to data listed by the Denver Business Journal in its 2010 "Giving Guide," FirstBank's contributions make the bank the third most charitable corporation and most charitable bank in Colorado by annual cash donations.
"Colorado's nonprofit organizations are a vital component of our state's community," said John A. Ikard, president and CEO of FirstBank Holding Company. "As a locally-owned bank, we understand we're only as strong as our community. We feel fortunate to support organizations that provide crucial resources and services to those in need, because they help make Colorado such a vibrant and great state to live in."
As part of its 2010 charitable efforts, FirstBank partnered with the Community First Foundation to donate $300,000 to support Colorado Gives Day, a one-day online initiative aimed at increasing philanthropy in Colorado. The donation included a $250,000 lead gift to the Colorado Gives Day incentive fund and $50,000 to help offset credit card and processing fees. The bank's contribution helped the program raise $8.2 million in 24-hours, directly benefitting hundreds of nonprofit organizations in Colorado.
While FirstBank supports a wide variety of organizations in Colorado, a majority of the bank's community investments support nonprofit organizations focused on affordable housing, education and economic development. For example:
Habitat for Humanity of Colorado
Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses alongside homeowner (partner) families. Over the past 30 years in Colorado, Habitat for Humanity has organized more than 1 million volunteers and $80 million in donations to bring 1,000 families affordable homeownership.
The Gold Crown Foundation was founded in 1986 by former NBA player Bill Hanzlik and Colorado business leader Ray Baker. The organization operates with a mission to "educate youth and community through sports and enrichment programs." In 2008, the program reached more than 35,000 girls and boys in Colorado.
Junior Achievement educates and inspires young people to value free enterprise, business and economics to improve the quality of their lives. The organization uses hands-on experiences to help students understand the "economics of life."
Special Olympics Colorado provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships.
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
As the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, Susan G. Komen for the Cure is working to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find cures for breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure has become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer.
Located in Parker, Colo., the Wildlife Experience is an educational and entertaining museum that connects visitors with wildlife and habitats. The Wildlife Experience combines interactive exhibits, film, art, natural history and community programs and events educate visitors on the world's wildlife and ecosystems.
Providing services to the community since 1875, the YMCA of Metro Denver aims to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities by offering a multitude of programs, classes and activities for residents in the greater Denver area at five branch locations.
About FirstBank
FirstBank operates 119 locations in Colorado, eight in Arizona and five in California. FirstBank is the largest locally owned banking organization in Colorado, serving more than 600,000 customers. The company is unique in that a majority of its stock is owned by management and employees. For more information, go to www.efirstbank.com.
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SOURCE FirstBank Holding Company
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