Community First consists of Peoples Bank employees who volunteer in their communities and conduct internal fundraisers throughout the year through a host of donation opportunities. All dollars raised are employee generated by Peoples Bank employees who are committed to improving the quality of life in the communities the Bank serves. The funds are then matched by the Bank, and donations are made to local organizations.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana was selected to receive funds because its mission closely aligns with the committee’s, said Tanya Leetz, Peoples Bank’s executive vice president and chief information and technology officer. Leetz also serves on Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana’s board of directors.
“Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana's mission is to inspire kids in the community to be their best, and we are happy to support the work they’re doing,” Leetz said. “At Peoples Bank, our mission is to help our customers and communities be more successful. Partnering with the Boys & Girls Club enables us to fulfill that mission.”
Community First has been fundraising and donating to service organizations for over 25 years, donating hundreds of thousands of dollars in that time. The committee has also donated to Haven House, Legacy Foundation, Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, Opportunity Enterprises, and more. Additionally, Peoples Bank was a sponsor of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana’s Christmas to Remember event in December. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana president and CEO Ryan Smiley said that the funds will go toward the organization’s operating budget.
“We couldn’t be more appreciative of Peoples Bank and the Community First committee,” Smiley said. “We know the outstanding work they do in the community, and for them to choose our organization to receive this donation is an honor.”
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana has been opening doors to GREAT FUTURES for Porter and Lake County youth for over 60 years! Clubs are open after school and provide great places for youth in grades K-12 to meet friends and have fun while in a safe, supervised environment. Clubs are open during holidays and in the summer. Annual membership is only $40.00. For information on membership, volunteer opportunities, or to make a tax-deductible donation, please contact your local Club by calling (219) 764-2582 or visiting bgcgreaternwi.org. Great Futures Start HERE.