Community Giving

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Teresa's Benefit for Pancreatic Cancer

Once again, First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) donated $1,000 to Teresa’s Benefit for Pancreatic Cancer.  This event is taking place on Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 7pm to midnight at Olympia Resort and Conference Center in Oconomowoc.  The ticket price of $30 includes a silent auction, light hors d’oeuvres, and live entertainment by The Toys, featuring Ron Kujawa.           

Over the last three years, Teresa’s Benefit has raised nearly $150,000 from more than 1500 attendees.  All 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: Dr. Pete Shield, Teresa’s Benefit Event Organizer; Mark W. Mohr, President and CEO of FBFC; Todd Scheid, Corporate Branch Manager, FBFC; and Keith Farley, Teresa’s Benefit Event Organizer

Stillwaters Cancer Support Services

In January, First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) donated $1,000 to Stillwaters Cancer Support Services.

These funds are being used to help sponsor the 2012 Hospital Food Fight, held on April 22 at Milwaukee Marriott West.  Proceeds from this event aid Stillwaters in their mission to provide hope, compassion, and support for cancer patients, families, and caregivers.

In 2011, Stillwaters provided over 2,600 counseling sessions, support groups, workshops, and grief services to area cancer patients and families.  Their ability to offer these services free-of-charge to cancer patients, survivors, family members, and friends, is dependent on community support.

First Bank Financial Centre is proud to contribute to this much appreciated organization.  For more information on the Hospital Food Fight, or to contribute, please visit the Stillwaters Website at www.stillwaterscenter.org.

Pictured in photo from left:  Mark W. Mohr, President and CEO of FBFC; Theresa Reagan, Executive Director of Stillwaters Cancer Support Services.

Oconomowoc Historical Society

A long time supporter of the Oconomowoc Area Historical Society and Museum, First Bank Financial Centre donated $1,000 in January, 2012.

The Oconomowoc Area Historical Society and Museum was founded in 1926 with one archeological collection.  It has since expanded to showcase about 20,000 individual artifacts and archives.  The museum is a unique repository resource for Oconomowoc area “stories”; all meticulously documented and catalogued to teach, inspire, fascinate, and surprise. 

FBFC is pleased to contribute to this much needed facility in the Oconomowoc community.

Pictured in photo from left:  Todd Scheid, Branch Manager, FBFC; Ralph Garcia, President Oconomowoc Historical Society

Oconomowoc Urgent Needs Community Fund (OUNCF)

                                                 

 

During the 2011 Holiday season, First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) donated a total of $1,500 to purchase more than 65 holiday meals, through the Wisconsin SHARE program, for those in need in the Oconomowoc area.

In November, FBFC teamed up with Ebert’s Greenhouse, and both parties donated $1 to OUNCF for every pumpkin purchased at their greenhouse to use toward Thanksgiving meals.  A total of $1,000 was raised to purchase 33 Thanksgiving meals. Ebert and bank employees alike also helped assemble and distribute the meals at First Congregational Church.

Pleased with the success of the November initiative, FBFC donated an additional $1,000 during December, and 33 Christmas meals were purchased through the SHARE program and were distributed in our community.

SHARE is a non-profit organization servicing Wisconsin, northern Illinois, northeastern Minnesota, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.   SHARE helps families save 30-50% on supermarket quality food and runs meal programs during the holidays.  Through the efforts of its many volunteers and donations, SHARE enables communities to respond to the basic needs of its communities, and provides access to good, nutritious food.

One such volunteer is Rico LaFuente.  Rico has been involved with SHARE for about a year, both as a recipient, and as a volunteer. As with so many families, money has been tight in the LaFuente household, however, having once been homeless himself, Rico is incredibly thankful for organizations like SHARE, and takes great pride in giving back to his community, when he can, through programs like this.

In the early 80’s, Rico was a delivery driver for a produce company in the Milwaukee area.  It was during these deliveries he noticed the places around town where the homeless were being served, and even talked his boss into donating fresh produce to such facilities.  Around this same time he ended a long-term relationship, leaving with nothing.  For a year and half, Rico utilized the services set up for the homeless that he had so recently donated to.

Rico eventually got back on his feet and has been married to his wife Linda for seventeen years.  Together, they are raising their 8 year old granddaughter, who also volunteers her time to help Rico give back to others.  He currently works for the Head Start program through First Congregational Church, preparing meals for the kids.  He stated, “When you know there’s a need, you want to help out as much as possible.  You never know when it will be you who needs the help.”

For more information on the SHARE Program, or to make a donation, please contact Barb Anderson at (262) 370-7881, or visit their Website at www.sharewi.org.

Pictured in photographs:
Photo 1 from left:  Lindsey Green, FBFC volunteer; Carrie Wendorf, FBFC volunteer, Wendy Quaden, FBFC volunteer
Photo 2 from left:  Rico LaFuente 

St. Paul's Kinder Place

First Bank Financial Centre recently donated $900 to St. Paul’s Kinder Place day care center in Oconomowoc.  These funds, solicited through their Spring Auction, were used to purchase eight new cribs for the infant area.

As a thank you to FBFC and other donors, a quilt was made to display the donor names and hangs in the infant area of Kinder Place.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, School, and Kinder Place Day Care are a Christian based education and child care organization serving the Oconomowoc and Lake Country areas.  The day care portion has been open more than 27 years and has seen many children through its doors.  Currently there are eight babies in the infant room who will all too soon be on their way to school. 

Kelly Kulas, Child Care Director for Kinder Place was so thankful for the support they received from the community, she stated, “Providing a safe and happy environment for these children to spend their days is so important.  We’re sincerely grateful for the contribution made by First Bank Financial Centre.”

Pictured in the photo from left, first row:  Journey Pancake, Jace Meyers, Noah Uitz, and Matthew Mooney
From left, second row: Angie Scharnell and Lisa Edwards (both Kinder Place teachers)

Silver Streak

Each year, First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) donates $1,000 to Silver Streak, Inc., and 2011 is no exception.  A check was presented to the organization on October 11.

Silver Streak, Inc. is a non-profit transportation service for seniors and the disabled in the Oconomowoc area. They provide rides for ambulatory adults over the age of 55, or ambulatory disabled people of any age. Silver Streak has served the community since 1991, and is funded through community grants and donations.

Those needing transportation to run errands such as a trip to the grocery store, a doctor appointment, or even a ride to the beauty salon, just to name a few, can call (262) 567-6404 for further information.

First Bank Financial Centre is proud to contribute to this much needed and appreciated service in the Oconomowoc community.

Pictured from left:  Gary Sherwin, FBFC and Silver Streak board member; Mike Toennies, Treasurer for Silver Streak;  Stephen Welch, President Silver Streak

Oconomowoc FFA Organziation

First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) donated $1,000 to the Oconomowoc FFA Organization.

These funds will be used to send FFA participants to the annual National Leadership Conference held in Stevens Point next month.  Budgets only allow for 4-5 kids to attend, but thanks to donations, the Oconomowoc FFA will be able to send 10-15 kids to this valuable event. 

For more information on the Oconomowoc FFA, or to donate, please contact Margaret Waite at (262) 560-3100 ext. 3307, or margaret.waite@oasd.k12.wi.us.

 Pictured in the photo from left: Todd Scheid, Branch Sales Manager – FBFC’s Corporate branch; Nicole Milkent, Oconomowoc FFA participant; Nicole Folkman, Oconomowoc FFA participant

Wisconsin Philharmonic

On August 31, First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) donated $3,500 to The Wisconsin Philharmonic, sponsoring the guest artists for Love and the Sea, a concert taking place October 11 at the Oconomowoc Arts Center.  The talented artists being sponsored are Canadian mezzo-soprano, Heather Jewson, and Menomonee Falls native pianist, Chelsea Shurilla.

 The Wisconsin Philharmonic has dedicated over 60 years to bringing exceptional symphonic music and cultural experiences to Waukesha County and surrounding communities. As one of the most seasoned and successful orchestras in southeast Wisconsin, the organization presents five to six subscription concerts annually at various Waukesha County locations, including: Carroll University, the Oconomowoc Arts Center, and the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts. The Wisconsin Philharmonic, along with the Friends of Note, also facilitates educational opportunities and scholarship programs for over 3,500 students throughout the area.

 For more information on The Wisconsin Philharmonic, or to donate, please visit their Website at www.wisconsinphilharmonic.org.  

 Pictured in the photo from left: Sally Schoenborn, Branch Sales Manager – FBFC’s Summit Ave. branch with Andrea Northrop, Executive Director of The WI Philharmonic

Oconomowoc Public Library

On August 30, 2011, First Bank Financial Centre donated $1,000 to the Oconomowoc Public Library.  These funds will be used to help renovate the teen area.

If the Library can raise $11,800 by the end of 2011, they will receive a $10,000 grant, allowing the renovation plans to move forward immediately.  

For more information on the Oconomowoc Public Library, or to make a donation, please contact Betsy Bromley at (262) 569-2193, or visit their Website at www.oconomowoc.lib.wi.us.

Pictured in the photo from left:  Todd Scheid, FBFC; Ray McKenna, Library Director; Betsy Bromley, Children’s Librarian