Annual ABC Program results in more than $51,000 donated to schools and students
Sunflower Bank wrapped up the eighth annual ABC: Be True to Our Schools campaign by announcing the bank’s donation of $51,100 to area schools and students throughout its communities in Kansas and Colorado.
During May, Sunflower Bank area presidents awarded donations totaling more than $42,000 to participating area schools, and awarded local student winners $8,870 for A’s on their report cards.
Donations resulted from the bank’s three-month drive in January, February and March, allowing customers to earmark Sunflower Bank donations for their favorite school simply by using their debit card, 10 cents per each signed transaction. Student donations resulted from the bank’s annual “Pay for A’s” contest.
“Obviously the current economic environment provides challenges not only for communities and citizens, but especially for our local schools,” said Phyllis Pickel, executive vice president and director of marketing. “As a community bank, it’s incumbent upon us to support our local institutions. Schools face rising costs and tighter budgets – and we’re pleased to help alleviate that burden any way we can.”
Sunflower Bank’s annual ABC Program strives to support local schools and also to encourage students to excel in their schoolwork. In eight years, Sunflower Bank now has given more than $350,000 to area schools and students in its respective communities.
The program allows current and new customers to earn money for the participating school of their choice whenever they use their Sunflower Bank debit card. Upon account opening, new customers also could request Sunflower Bank match their “Freedom” incentive payment to a participating school of their choice.
Finally, local students also had the chance to get “paid for their A’s!” From January through March, students turned in current report cards to local Sunflower Banks. On April 1, each of Sunflower Bank’s offices chose five student winners – and winning students earned $10 for every A on their report card.
Sunflower Bank then matched the student’s reward check with an identical donation to the student’s school. Nearly 200 students won money for their “A’s” in 2009. As a bonus, many will have the chance to appear on the radio introducing next year’s ABC program!
Sunflower Bank’s ABC: Be True to Your School has become a welcome tradition in many communities, including the surrounding areas the bank serves. Though recent news reports and economic outlook may downplay the success of area community banks, Sunflower Bank remains strong and sound.
Committed to its mission of “Bringing out the best in the lives we touch … Creating Possibility,” Sunflower Bank intends to continue focusing on the improvement of its communities and the circumstances of local citizens. The ABC Program is one initiative, and the bank contributes to many more community causes and organizations and offers support throughout its Kansas and Colorado markets.
“We’re extremely devoted to our area communities, and each Sunflower Bank associate focuses on making a difference however we can,” said Pickel. “The ABC Program is one of our favorite ways to give back, and we’re thrilled to continue its tradition.”
Pictured: Sunflower Bank Topeka report card winners receive their award checks from manager Kellye Burkholder.
