Giving First Kickoff

How far can $8,500 go to support local charities, organizations and individuals in need? Community First Bank & Trust employees have until December 31 to answer that question. Each of the bank’s 160 employees, as well as each member of its board of directors,  is now a member of the Giving First Team and has received $50 to pay it forward by contributing to the local charity, organization or needy family or individual of their choice.

“We’ve always believed in putting our communities first,” said Marc Lively, president and CEO of Community First. “Since we opened our doors in 1999, we have supported more than 150 organizations with financial support in the form of major corporate contributions and volunteer support from our employees. We are taking it one step further with Giving First.”

Employees may choose to make a one-time $50 donation to the cause of their choice, or make smaller donations. They may choose to pool their funds as a group, solicit matching donations, or negotiate discounts for supplies for a non-profit organization or to help a family on hard times. The only restriction on the Giving First grants is the funds cannot be used for bank employees or family members.

“Giving First does not replace our commitment to supporting major organizations and events such as Relay for Life and United Way,” said Lively. “As a community bank, we receive multiple requests for donations to support a school’s fundraising drive or sponsor a youth soccer team and we simply cannot fill all those requests out of our corporate budget. The Giving First Team concept empowers our employees to use their creativity and generosity to make a difference and see just how far $50 can go.”