Independent Banker - April 2023 - 56

" It's not about the dollar amount. It is
about the impact and sense of relief, no
matter the amount, that we are able to
bring to individuals, families, nonprofits
and others in our communities. "
-Melissa Block, Choice Bank
awareness for the program. "
Since the program's inception, Choice
Bank has been able to grant about
$100,000 in various wishes. " However,
it's not about the dollar amount, " says
Block. " It is about the impact and sense
of relief, no matter the amount, that
we are able to bring to individuals,
families, nonprofits and others in our
communities. "
While she is not as heavily involved in
the committee as she initially was, Block's
favorite part of her involvement has
been getting the opportunity to see and
hear about the wish reveals. " It's a good
wishes have included everything from library books for
schools to cancer treatments.
Choice Bank has physical wishing wells in some of its
rural locations, and while people can submit wishes by
filling out applications and dropping them into the wells,
these are more symbolic of the program. " The majority
of wishes are submitted through our online application, "
says Block. " The program is intended to help those most in
need, especially those in our rural communities where they
may not have access to as many resources as in some of our
more urban areas. "
An internal bank committee meets at least monthly
to review wishes, so they are granted on a rolling basis
throughout the year, based upon a predetermined budget
for the program annually.
" After four years, we continue to see a steady
submission of wishes, which indicates that the program
has gained traction and that it is serving a purpose in
our communities, " says Block. " We have been fortunate
enough to share the program and some stories with various
news outlets as well, which has helped create additional
feeling to know that we are able to help out others in our
communities during some of their greatest times of need, "
she says.
The committee itself has a few permanent members who
act as the program administrators. However, there are also
some rotating members who transition in and out annually.
" I think this has been a great strategy for the program,
as it brings fresh perspectives and representation from
our various committees each year, as well as gives more
employees the opportunity to participate in a program that
directly carries out our core value of 'bettering the places
we live,' " says Block.
Amarillo National Bank: Putting down roots
Anyone who lives in the Amarillo, Texas, area knows that
trees are somewhat of a rarity.
To counteract this problem, $8 billion-asset Amarillo
National Bank has planted more than 500 trees around
the five blocks of downtown Amarillo that are home to its
headquarters. " Trees are worth double in the High Plains,
as each tree in Amarillo had to be planted and nurtured,
Wishing you well
One of the wishes Choice Bank's Wishing Well program granted was to Becky
Hild of Medora, N.D., who started a craft group after realizing there was a
longing for connection and activity among Medora residents during the town's
off-season. Her wish was for a box of crafting supplies.
" I was so excited, " Hild says. " I went to all the ladies I could find when I got
back to Medora with that box. They were just as excited as I was. It means that
we can continue this. This is going to be so much fun to continue and have the
funds to try something new. It's going to be really beneficial to the group. "
Other wishes have included hearing aids, granted to a teacher in South
Dakota, and new glasses for an elementary school child.
Becky Hild wished
for a box of
crafting supplies.
56 // ICBA Independent Banker // April 2023
Independent Banker - April 2023

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