HOUSTON, April 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Spirit of Texas Bank enjoys getting involved in the communities it serves. Monetary donations the bank regularly gives to worthy causes and organizations are always well received.

Recently, the bank's sponsorship of Houston Money Week (HMW) took on new meaning by moving beyond a monetary donation and seeing the Spirit of Texas Bank team getting personally involved in many of the activities that took place throughout the week-long event which occurred April 5th - 12th, 2014.

Chairman and CEO, Dean Bass said, "Houston Money Week (HMW) is a shining example of the bank's willingness to fulfill the volunteer adage that encourages the giving of our 'time, talent and treasure'."

HMW is an annual initiative geared toward empowering individuals and families in and around the Houston area with financial education to help them move forward with business ideas as well as funding.

One of the events during HMW, 'Pitch The Sharks,' featured Compliance Assistant, Nate Jones; SBA Lender, Julie Randolph; and Credit Analyst, Stephanie Hatch; all Houston area Spirit of Texas Bank employees.

The event is a play on the television show 'Shark Tank,' but in this case individuals and business owners were able to pitch their ideas to a panel of experienced investors, lenders and entrepreneurs in exchange for mentorship as well as tips to obtain funding in the immediate or near future.

Nate Jones served as emcee for 'Pitch The Sharks' as well as a judge for the Houston Money Week essay contest which involved junior high and high school students. Nate helped to read over 300 essays in order to choose 3 eventual winners who received scholarship monies for college.

Julie Randolph and Stephanie Hatch both served on the prestigious 'Pitch The Sharks' panel as mentors helping guide the many creative business plans and ideas the participating entrepreneurs brought forth.

"The event was a rousing success for both the participants and the Spirit of Texas Bank team members that gave so graciously of their time and talent". I'm proud of the bank and their involvement," said Kevin Byrne, Senior Vice President and Compliance Officer.

To learn more about Spirit of Texas Bank contact: Kevin Byrne at 979.846.7641 or kbyrne@spiritoftexasbank.com.

SOURCE Spirit of Texas Bank