June 13, 2022

This paid piece is sponsored by Central Bank.

As the team at Central Bank approached marking Juneteenth as a bank holiday for the first time, an idea came together.

“If we just observe it as any other holiday, we don’t always think about why we have it as a holiday,” senior vice president Kathy Thorson said.

“We felt we wanted to offer some service on that day.”

As leaders discussed their options, vice president and commercial loan officer Karen Waller mentioned doing something to help the families of victims in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and two teachers died in an attack at Robb Elementary School.

“Everyone got behind the idea very quickly,” Thorson said. “Many of us grew up in smaller towns, so we can relate to that sense of community, and while we can’t imagine what they’re going through, our hearts open up, we had been feeling helpless, and we want to do something.”

The idea came together as a Juneteenth fundraising event that will direct all money raised to the Texas community. Central Bank reached out to a bank in Texas as well as the Texas Bankers Association, which will ensure the funds are directed appropriately.

“We decided to do an old-fashioned car wash and bake sale at our 33rd and Minnesota location, and accept any donation people choose to offer,” Thorson said.

“It’s strictly a fundraiser. We’re not doing anything with the funds other than sending them directly to the people of Uvalde.”

The fundraiser will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, June 20, at the Central Bank at 33rd and Minnesota. Branch manager Damon Punt said the team is eager to host it.

“It’s a tragedy, and at least it’s something we can do to try and make a difference and help out,” he said. “We want to make the best effort we can to do that.”

Central team members will be washing cars and putting their culinary abilities to work to support the event, he added.

“This just really hit close to home for a lot of us, especially those with young children,” Punt said. “Everybody is excited to contribute in any way they can.”

The broader bank will be contributing too. There will be a donation to the effort from Central’s Pay It Forward fund, which includes employee and corporate contributions.

Can’t make it June 20? You can stop in any Central Bank location with a check made out to Pay It Forward with “Uvalde, Texas” written in the memo.

“If you live in a neighborhood near one of our branches, expect to see us going to door-to-door inviting you to the event, and our digital signs all will be up to remind the community about it,” Thorson said.

“We just think it’s a great day to bring people together and support an important cause.”