ABC Program results in more than $76,500 donated to schools and students
Sunflower Bank wrapped up its seventh annual ABC: Be True to Your Schools campaign by donating $67,000 to area schools – the largest donation to area schools in the seven-year history of the program.
Sunflower Bank’s “ABC Program” endeavors to support local schools and encourage students to excel in their schoolwork. At the close of the 2008 program, Sunflower Bank donated more than $77,000 to various schools and students throughout its communities in Kansas and Colorado. In seven years, Sunflower Bank now has given more than $300,000 to area schools and students in its respective communities. The donation resulted from the bank’s three-month campaign allowing customers to earmark Sunflower Bank donations for their favorite school simply by using their debit card or matching new account incentives.
“It’s a testament to our communities, customers, and concerned citizens,” said Phyllis Pickel, executive vice president – marketing. “Our schools face rising costs just like anyone, and our customers eagerly boosted their debit card use in order to raise Sunflower Bank’s donation. We’re thrilled to write these checks to help local education.”
During the program, current and new customers can earn money for the participating school of their choice whenever they use their Sunflower Bank debit card. New customers also can request Sunflower Bank match their “switch” incentive payment to a participating school of their choice during the first quarter.
Local students had the chance to get “paid for their A’s” – by turning in their report card in January or February. Five student winners in each Sunflower Bank office earned $10 for every A on their report card – and Sunflower Bank matched the student’s reward check with a donation to the student’s school. Nearly 200 students won money for their “A’s” in 2008 – and as a bonus, many appeared on TV or on radio!
“It’s a great program for our students and our schools. As a community bank, we look forward to it every year,” said Pickel. “It’s immensely rewarding to write these checks to support our schools, especially as rising costs stretch families’ and schools’ budgets.”
