Community Giving

---

Scholar Athletes

    

First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) recently awarded two, $1,500 scholarships to deserving students in the Milwaukee area. 

Riley Pelisek from Homestead High School and Jansen Van Grinsven from Wisconsin Lutheran High School each received $1,500 in scholarship money from FBFC as part of the Bank’s partnership with Sports Radio 1250 WSSP.

As a community bank, FBFC encourages and promotes continuing education efforts. They are pleased to offer these scholarships to such deserving students.

Pictured in the photo Riley Group (from left): David Pelisek, Riley’s dad; Melinda Pelisek, Riley’s mom; Riley Pelisek; Grace Uselding, FBFC; David Keel, Head Football Coach at Homestead HS; Dave Sutton, FBFC

Pictured in the photo Jansen Group (from left): Gabrielle Rabon, FBFC; Michael Van Grinsven, Jansen’s dad; Jansen Van Grinsven; Ryan Walz, Head Coach at Wisconsin Lutheran HS; Mike McGivern, WSSP; Beth Van Grinsven, Jansen’s mom

Random Acts of Kindness

Throughout the month of April, First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) employees celebrated Community Banking Month by “paying it forward” to local citizens and organizations in the communities they serve.

    

Ozaukee County:  Employees from FBFC’s Mequon branch donated items to the Food Pantry at Family Sharing in Ozaukee County. Customers at Fiddleheads were thrilled to receive $5 bills to be used toward their purchase. One customer joked, “I just had a root canal and was wondering how I would pay for my coffee. This is perfect!” Volunteers delivered a donation of Wal-Mart gift cards to Advocates of Ozaukee, and pet supplies were purchased for the Ozaukee campus of the Wisconsin Humane Society.

In Grafton, random passersby on the street in downtown Grafton received $5 bills while garden baskets were being donated to the Ozaukee County Volunteer Appreciation event.  Much to the appreciation of patients and staff, cookies, tea, and handmade, tied-fleece shawls were donated to the Aurora Cancer Center in Grafton.  Plates of cookies were delivered to Family Sharing of Ozaukee County, Starbucks gift cards were handed out outside the local Starbucks, and $5 bills were given away at the Grafton Target store.

Pictured in photo 1: Happy recipients in Grafton

Pictured in photo 2: Grace Uselding, FBFC Branch Manager – Mequon; Barb Fischer, Advocates of Ozaukee; Nicole Hengel, FBFC

         

Washington County:  Employees from the Germantown branch purchased and delivered sheet cakes to the police and fire departments, thanking them for their service.  Two cakes were also donated to the Senior Center for an event.  Children’s books were purchased for the pediatric ward at Community Memorial Hospital in Menomonee Falls while a $125 gift card for Stein Gardens and Gifts was delivered to a group of residents at the Gables who are in charge of the beautification of their property.  The Germantown Police Department received a $125 donation to help with the care and training of “Officer Rambo”, a German shepherd used for education in the schools, senior programs, and for drug detection.

In Hartford, employees assisted residents at the Emerald Place with spring time crafts while others took turns walking dogs at the Washington County Humane Society. $100 was also donated and $50 worth of cleaning supplies for the care of the animals and upkeep of the facility. The local fire department was happy to receive pizza for their monthly meeting, while the Boys and Girls Club of Hartford was given snack items and playground equipment valued over $150.

FBFC employees from the West Bend branch handed out $5 gift cards the Family Video Store. In addition, cleaning, beauty, and household supplies were delivered to the Washington County Family Promise.  Lunch was purchased for the lunch ladies at Greentree School, where one employee stated, “No one has ever done anything like this in the five years I’ve worked here.” Not to be outdone, breakfast from Dunn Bros Coffee Shop was delivered to Fair Park Elementary School for their staff meeting.

Pictured in photo 1: Mckenna Okonek, FBFC

Pictured in photo 2: Lori Schulz, FBFC with the Greentree Lunch Ladies

Pictured in photo 3: Germantown Police and Fire Departments

         

Waukesha County:  Employees from the Brookfield branch paid for, and handed out $5 coupons at Fantastic Sam’s, in addition to free food items at Dominos Pizza, Subway, and Cousins
Subs.  A few customers at the bank were excited to receive $5 Sendiks gift cards, while much needed supplies were donated to the Elmbrook Humane Society and the Brookfield Fire Department for their Survive Alive Program.

The Hartland branch had a great time delivering Panera Bagel Bags to the Hartland Police Station, Fire Department, Post Office, and Lake Country Caring.  Employees handed out $5 Piggly Wiggly gift cards to shoppers and $5 Culver’s gift cards to people walking by downtown.  Customers at the Hartland Citgo were thrilled when FBFC offered to pay $10 toward their tank of gas.

In Oconomowoc, employees delivered jars of treats to the Ixonia, Ashippun, and Oconomowoc food pantries for the volunteers to enjoy.  The Stone Bank Fire Department received dinner during their monthly meeting, and $5 Subway gift cards were handed out to customers at St. Vincent De Paul.  Meanwhile, Red Box discounts were handed out to unsuspecting customers
at Pick n Save, stuffed monkeys were delivered to patients and staff at the ProHealth offices, Quizno’s lunch boxes were delivered to the Western Lakes Dive Team, and free car washes were handed out at Herr’s Mobil.

Other Oconomowoc employees handed out rolls of quarters at the local Laundromat and $10 Kwik Trip and Piggly Wiggly gift cards to patients at the Lake Area Free Clinic. A $150 donation was made to New Heart, and car wash tokens were handed out at the Ashippun BP. Not to leave any stone unturned, more volunteers purchased bird seed and filled the bird feeders at local assisted living facilities, handed out gift cards at Hillside Cinema, and held an ice cream social for residents at the Lutheran Homes of Oconomowoc.

The Menomonee Falls branch had a great time handing out $10 gift cards for Woodman’s to people waiting in line at the Menomonee Falls Food Pantry, and delivering snacks to the teacher’s lounge at Ben Franklin Elementary. $10 chamber gift checks were handed out at Blair’s Hardware, and a continental breakfast was delivered to the Village reception staff at the Menomonee Falls police and fire departments.

Todd Scheid, Corporate Branch Manager at FBFC said, “It was once again a privilege to go out in our community and provide these random acts of kindness to brighten someone’s day.  Thank you to FBFC for making this happen.”

Pictured in photo 1:  Todd Scheid, Corporate Branch Manager, with Linda Stegall handing out free car washes at Herr’s Mobil.

Pictured in photo 2: Dwight Kellogg, Kathy Maxwell, FBFC, and Barbara Kellog at Cousins Subs

Pictured in photo 3: Kara Kephart with Haley Wagner, both of FBFC

North Shore Academy of the Arts (NSAA)

         

First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) recently donated $2,500 to the North Shore Academy of the Arts (NSAA) in Grafton.

NSAA is a not-for-profit company dedicated to offering high caliber opportunities in the performing, visual, and literary arts to all ages. It is designed to encourage, inspire, and promote
creativity while fostering a cultural appreciation of the arts in the community. With a powerful board of leadership, supporting businesses, volunteer community members, as well as the experienced staff of instructors, this organization provides opportunities to everyone in the community to learn, grow, blossom, and flourish in the arts and in their own personal growth.

Paula Hare is a long time board member and parent participant of NSAA. She heard about the organization 13 years ago when her daughter, Rebecca, became interested in singing and acting. 
Though Rebecca was only 6 years old at the time, her love for the theatre has blossomed into a career she continues to cultivate at Fordham University in New York.

Paula jokes that Rebecca was a munchkin in the first play she ever performed at NSAA, The Wizard of Oz.  When she retired from the program at 16, she played Dorothy in her final production. Rebecca has come home from school to teach musical theatre at NSAA the past two summers.  Eventually she hopes to find a permanent position within the organization.

NSAA offers scholarship opportunities for the programs it offers. Their commitment to the community and to the performing, visual, and literary arts is truly astounding. Paula stated, “The value of working with a non-profit is immeasurable. I feel so fortunate to be a part of this organization, and am very grateful for the opportunities it opened up for my daughter.”

As a non-profit organization, NSAA relies heavily on financial support from local businesses and community members to keep its program growing. If you would like more information on NSAA classes, volunteer opportunities, or would like to contribute, visit their website at www.northshoreacademyofthearts.org.   

Pictured in Donation Photo (from left): Kris Barger, FBFC Branch Manager – Grafton; Amelia Macareno, Market Development Officer, FBFC; Sheri Bestor, Founder and President of NSAA

Pictured in Group Photo: NSAA cast of GodSpell

PACE Fund

First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) donated $2,500 to the Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation’s (OPEF) Performing Arts Center Enhancement (PACE) fund. Over the last five years, FBFC has given $5,000 to PACE, making us a Silver Level Donor.

The Oconomowoc Arts Center is the centerpiece of this community’s rich artistic tradition; a gathering place to showcase and celebrate the arts for students of the Oconomowoc Area School District, as well as the communities in the greater Oconomowoc and Lake Country areas. The facility was built with state-of-the-art enhancements that elevate it from a standard high school auditorium to a first-class performance venue. These enhancements were made possible thanks to a commitment by OPEF to raise $500,000 through its PACE fund.

OPEF is incredibly close to their goal and is asking for support from the community to reach it by the end of June, 2013. A long time supporter, FBFC is happy to continue its contributions to this organization.

For more information, or to donate, please visit their Website at www.opef.info, or call (262) 313-9911.

Pictured in the photo (from left): Todd Scheid, FBFC Corporate Branch Manager; Mike Herro, President of the Board, OPEF; Mark W. Mohr, President and CEO, FBFC; Tamara Hauck,
Executive Director, OPEF

Mequon Nature Preserve

First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) donated $1,000 to the Mequon Nature Preserve, to sponsor an adult learning series.

The Mequon Nature Preserve will host a series of free, monthly, adult learning workshops at the PieperPower Education Center, 8200 W. County Line Rd., in Mequon.  They will feature specialists presenting on a variety of issues relating to our environment.        

First Bank Financial Centre is happy to contribute to this community outreach program.  If you would like more information on the Mequon Nature Preserve, or the Adult Learning Series,
contact Kay Amland at (262) 242-8055, ext. 101.

Pictured from left: Grace Uselding, FBFC Branch Manager – Mequon; Kay Amland, Director of Development, Nature Preserve; Kristin Gies, Executive Director, Nature Preserve; Amelia
Macareno, Market Development Officer, FBFC

Teresa's Benefit for Pancreatic Cancer

First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) donated $1,000 to Teresa’s Benefit for Pancreatic Cancer.  This event is taking place on Friday, May 31, 2013 at 7pm at Olympia Resort and Conference Center in Oconomowoc.  The ticket price of $50 includes an optional run/walk, a t-shirt, live music by King Solomon, and light hors d’oeuvres; or $25 for the run/walk only with a t-shirt.     

The proceeds gathered from this benefit are distributed to organizations who help fight, treat, and support those with this disease, everyday.

Teresa Krier, a member of the Oconomowoc community, lost her life to pancreatic cancer on August 14, 2008.  While fighting a courageous battle, she inspired many with her positive attitude and contagious smile. Her hope and humor gave others strength, even when she had none.  Through her illness, Teresa did not fight alone, but found much strength in the support of her family, friends, co-workers, doctors, nurses, and other caregivers.

First Bank Financial Centre is proud to contribute to this benefit in memory of Teresa Krier.  If you would like more information on how you can donate to Teresa’s Benefit, or if you would like
tickets, please contact Dr. Pete Sheild at 262-567-1323.

Pictured from left: Todd Scheid, Corporate Branch Manager, FBFC; Dr. Pete Sheild, Teresa’s Benefit Event Organizer; Mary Sue McNamee, Teresa’s Benefit Event Organizer; Mark W. Mohr,
President and CEO of FBFC

Downtown Oconomowoc Business Association (DOBA)

First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) donated $3,000 to the Downtown Oconomowoc Business Association (DOBA).  This organization works with local, downtown Oconomowoc businesses to increase awareness, boost sales, host events, and generally promote the area.           

As a business in downtown Oconomowoc, First Bank Financial Centre is happy to contribute to this organization.  If you would like more information on DOBA, or their events, you can visit http://downtownoconomowoc.org/.

Pictured from left: Mark W. Mohr, President and CEO of First Bank Financial Centre; Heidi Laatsch, owner of Roots and DOBA secretary; Paul Shultz, owner of Sunarc Studio and DOBA
president

Oconomowoc Concerts in the Park

First Bank Financial Centre recently donated $1,500 to the Oconomowoc Concerts in the Park.

Each summer, the Oconomowoc Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department puts together a series of concerts, held at the Oconomowoc City Beach Band Shell. To see their schedule of events, please visit www.oconomowoc-wi.gov.

For more information, please contact the Oconomowoc Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department at 262-569-2199.

Pictured in photo from left:  Todd Scheid, Branch Manager, FBFC; John Kelliher, Director of Oconomowoc Park and Rec; Jennifer Froemming, Recreation Manager of Oconomowoc Park and Rec

 

LakeWalk for Cancer

First Bank Financial Centre donated $2,500 to the Oconomowoc LakeWalk for Cancer.  A long-time supporter of this annual event, FBFC has also formed a team to participate with nearly 30 walkers.

While concern about cancer is universal, money raised at/for the LakeWalk stays here, benefitting patients at the Regional Cancer Center at Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital.

First Bank Financial Centre is proud to participate in this local event, demonstrating how a community can come together for a common cause.  If you would like more information on the LakeWalk, please visit www.lakewalk.org.

Pictured in the photo from left: John Robertstad, President ProHealth Care Hospital Division, Diane Chadwick, Administrative Assistant, FBFC and FBFC LakeWalk Team Leader; Maureen Gerard, Vice President ProHealth Care Foundation; Mark W. Mohr, President and CEO FBFC

Mary Sharp Inducted into WBA's Fifty Year Club

On March 8, Mary Sharp was presented with a certificate inducting her into the Wisconsin Banker Association’s (WBA) Fifty Year Club.  WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels visited FBFC to meet Mary and present the award.

Mary was hired on September 7, 1962 as the head of the bookkeeping department.  She has since moved to various positions throughout the bank and is currently a Service Banker at the corporate branch in Oconomowoc.

“Serving customers gives me personal satisfaction and fulfillment.  It’s such a joy to work with so many nice people…it’s like a family,” stated Mary.

FBFC thanks Mary for her 50 years of service, and her many accomplishments.

Pictured in the photo from left: Mark W. Mohr, President and CEO, FBFC; Mary Sharp, FBFC; Rose Oswald Poels, President and CEO, WBA; Todd Scheid, FBFC Corporate Branch Manager

OHS PTO Post Prom

First Bank Financial Centre donated $1,000 to Oconomowoc High School’s Post Prom event taking place this spring.

Following prom, kids are transported back to the YMCA at Pabst Farms for food, prizes, entertainment, and more, sponsored by the fundraising efforts of the post prom committee.  Students who don’t attend prom are also welcome to attend, for a nominal fee.

For more information, or to donate to this organization, please visit their Website at www.ohspto.com, or contact Lisa Bahr at (414) 915-5395.

Pictured in photo from left:  Lou Kowieski, OHS PTO (Post Prom Committee); Mark W. Mohr, President and CEO of FBFC; Joseph Moylan, OHS Principal