Donations & Sponsorships

Pennys and Nichols Center

     

On July 1, 2010, First Bank Financial Centre donated $2,000 to The Pennys and Nichols Center Inc. (PANC), a relatively new non-profit resource center in Oconomowoc, WI that is helping those in need during these difficult times. PANC opened its doors in February 2010 and has already helped more than 100 families; there are 30+ families currently in need on their waiting list. The resource center helps individuals and families become self sufficient in a non-judgmental, dignified setting.

Christine Miles, Executive Director of PANC, started the charitable organization after working for the Sussex-area Outreach Services and the Women’s Center in Waukesha. As the only paid employee, she relies on the help and support of volunteers like Cyrilla Mesker. Cyrilla has been instrumental in helping to get the word out about PANC in the community, and in prospecting for donor support.

The modest facility located at 440 S. Lapham Street boasts a career room, birthday gift room, restrooms, living room, kitchen, and storage areas. As a special touch, their career room offers a computer for building resumes and career-wear for free to those seeking employment.  These two simple services alone vastly help clients gain the confidence they need to search and pursue employment. The birthday gift room is also very unique. PANC clients can pick a new, small item for gifting. The living room bestows a place of comfort for children, and the like, as their parent(s) work with PANC staff. All are welcome to enjoy bread/pastry items, coffee, and bottled water, made available daily at the center.

The purpose of PANC is to supply those in need with the resources necessary to thrive on their own. In a true giving fashion Christine said, “Our organization gives back to the community that gives to us.”  Through monetary donations, and contributions of new and gently used items from cleaning supplies to diapers and home furnishings, PANC is able to help provide a new start or a helping hand to community members in need.

Rent money, gas cards, medical payments, electrical bills, car insurance, moving expenses, child support, and homelessness are just a few of the issues PANC helps to resolve for individuals and families in the Oconomowoc area.

For more information about PANC, or to make a donation, please call 262-560-1111 or email pennysandnicholscenter@yahoo.com.  Checks can be mailed to PANC at PO Box 864, Oconomowoc, WI 53066.

Photo 1 from left: Christine Miles, PANC; Cyrilla Mesker, PANC volunteer; and Todd Scheid, FBFC.

Photo 4:  Christine Miles from PANC shows Todd Scheid of FBFC a box of supplies ready to be picked up by a family in need.

Family Center of Washington County

     

On June 8, 2010, First Bank Financial Centre donated $1,000 to The Family Center of Washington County located in West Bend, Wisconsin.  The Family Center opened September 4, 1990, through the efforts of local schools, parents, social service leaders in the community, and private donations.  Their mission, then and today, is to provide a resource where parents and caregivers can find support for the most important job they will ever have – caring for and raising children.  Offering parent education and support programs, interactive family activities, family drop-in days, and a parent and child resource library, their facility has something available to enrich the lives of all families in Washington County.

One such family is the Loomis’ – Carla, Aaron, and their two-year old daughter, Elaina.  After an injury forced Carla to leave her job as an early childhood education teacher, she began searching for a place where Elaina could interact with other children and she could enjoy some adult conversation.  In November 2009, Carla and Elaina began attending the drop-in sessions at The Family Center.  Twice per week, throughout the winter, as Carla’s injury allowed, she and Elaina would head to the Family Center.  When the building came into view, Elaina would clap her hands with the excitement of being able to see her friends.  As a parent, Carla appreciates the time she is able to spend with her daughter and even loves to keep the crafts for keepsakes.

In addition to the games, crafts, books, and fun available at The Family Center, they also offer field trips during the summer months to places such as the Sheriff’s Office and the Armory.  Exposure to local businesses and organizations is a fun and educational experience for those who attend.

The Family Center provides activities and support to families like the Loomis’ everyday.  Janean Brudvig, Executive Director of the Family Center said, “We make our community a better place to raise children, thanks to the tremendous support of our caring volunteers and trusting donors.”

If you would like more information on the Family Center or the programs they offer, please call 262-338-9461 or visit their Website at www.wcfamilycenter.org.

Pictured in photo 1 from left: Carla Loomis and Elaina Loomis.

Pictured in photo 2 from left: Albert Curl, Branch Sales Manager at FBFC’s West Bend branch; Janean Brudvig, Executive Director of the Family Center; Barbara Beck, Assistant Branch Sales Manager at FBFC’s West Bend branch.  The expanded library offers books, videos, and games that can be checked out by visitors for up to two weeks.  In addition to children’s items, there are many resources focusing on parental education as well.

 

Abundant Life Christian Academy

 

On March 24, 2010, First Bank Financial Centre once again donated $1,500 to Abundant Life Christian Academy.  The funds from this donation will be used to allow five low income students from the Academy to attend a student convention in Carlinville, IL.  During this five day convention, approximately 500 students showcase a project in one or several of the twelve categories including academics, art, photography, music, drama, and sports, to name a few.  They are then judged on their performance.

Since 1982, Abundant Life Christian Academy has guided and established learning experiences that have assisted each of their students in becoming mature Christians, and responsible members of society. 

First Bank Financial Centre is pleased to contribute to this organization for their needs.

Pictured in the photo from left:  Francis Schindler, Principal ALCA; Julissa Heinz, student at ALCA; Ann Pickl, student at ALCA; Brandon Reynolds, student at ALCA; Nathan Lasanske, student at ALCA, Elizabeth Kielley, Administrator at ALCA; and Matt Schwechel, Assistant Vice President Commercial Lender at FBFC

Summit Fire Department

On March 23, 2010, First Bank Financial Centre donated $1,320 to the Summit Fire Department, to be used toward their purchase of two gas monitors and one thermal imaging camera.  

This equipment will assist firefighters in mitigating potential risks with hazardous and lethal gases.  It will also enhance the process of locating the source of the problem, making it more timely and efficient.

As a community bank FBFC enjoys supporting local organizations like the Summit Fire Department.

Pictured in the photo from left: Milt Wegner, SFD; Todd Scheid, FBFC; Steven Pflanzer, SFD

Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation

On March 25, 2010, First Bank Financial Centre donated $2,500 toward the Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation’s 15^th Annual Golf Outing scheduled for July 12 at Bristlecone Pines.  Proceeds from the event will specifically support Challenge Camp, the Angel Fun, and Patient Scholarships/Grants for children in the residential program at Rogers Memorial Hospital.

For more than 100 years, Rogers Memorial Hospital has been caring for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults facing serious mental health issues including alcohol and drug dependency, eating disorders, obsessive compulsive behavior, depression, and anxiety, to name a few.  The Foundation supports patients and programs at the hospital by raising and managing philanthropic income.

First Bank Financial Centre is an annual contributor to this much needed facility.  They are pleased to be able to help sponsor this year’s golf outing.

Pictured in the photo from left: Dr. Peter Lake, Medical Director of Child and Adolescent Services at RMH; Mark W. Mohr, President & CEO FBFC; Rick Andritsch, Co-chair of the golf committee, and Foundation Board Member, VJS Construction

Oconomowoc Historical Society

As in years past, on March 22, 2010, First Bank Financial Centre donated $1,000 to the Oconomowoc Area Historical Society and Museum.

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.

First Bank Financial Centre is pleased to contribute to this much needed facility in the Oconomowoc community.

Pictured in photo from left:  Susan Bickler, Oconomowoc Historical Society; Mark W. Mohr, President and CEO FBFC

Oconomowoc Tri-Club

On March 18, 2010, First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) donated $1,000 to the Oconomowoc Tri-Club.  This sponsorship will be used for the upcoming UW Madison Wisconsin Singers event on April 17 at the Oconomowoc Arts Center.

The Lions, Rotary, and Kiwanis Clubs of Oconomowoc teamed up to present this spectacular event to fund the enhancement of the Tri-Club Plaza at the Oconomowoc Arts Center.  Funds raised by this event will be used to cover the cost commitment to the Oconomowoc School District. 

FBFC is pleased to sponsor such a wonderful community event.  For more information on the concert, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.theoac.net, or call the box office at (262) 560-3172.

Pictured are from left:  Todd Scheid, FBFC; Bob Duffy, President Rotary Club; Mark May, President Kiwanis Club; Mike Welsh, FBFC and President, Lions Club

Oconomowoc LakeWalk for Cancer

On March 9, 2010 First Bank Financial Centre donated $2,500 to the Oconomowoc LakeWalk for Cancer.  For several years FBFC has formed a team to participate in this annual event, and 2010 is no different with more than 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: Todd Scheid, Vice President, Corporate Branch Sales Manager, FBFC; Diane Chadwick, Administrative Assistant, FBFC and FBFC LakeWalk Team Leader; John Robertstad, Chief Executive Officer of Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital; Mark W. Mohr, President, FBFC