‘Pay It Ohnward’ benefits local organizations
The “Pay It Ohnward” campaign and “Grilling for Charity” initiative were designed to give individuals within the Ohnward Bancshares, Inc. organization the opportunity to use their time, talent and influence to generate change. These initiatives not only showcase the Ohnward culture and values, but in turn encourage others to give back as well. The goal is for the cycle to repeat and the impact it has on local communities, to multiply. The process was simple. The impact was substantial.
Pay It Ohnward is a pay it forward program with the company fronting the money for employees to use in the manner they see the most need. Ohnward granted each employee $100 to share their hearts, time, and compassion with individuals and organizations within the communities served and around the world. The money given is important, but inspiring others to do the same is what really fuels the Pay it Ohnward concept. Pay it Ohnward gifts from 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 totaled over $85,935 since its inception. Ohnward has directly impacted over 200 individuals, families, and organizations each year.
Bank partners also host Grilling for Charity events throughout the summer months. The Ohnward organization provides all of the food and volunteers and a non-profit group is selected for each event. The selected group then benefits from these efforts. Donations from individuals and area businesses can range from $2 to $1,000. Grilling for Charity events in 2017 brought the Grilling for Charity total for the past five years to $183,005.
Kendra Fagerland-Beck, COO of Ohnward Bancshares, Inc., states, “Our organization has always had a tradition of giving back. Our banks focus on the needs of local families, businesses, and farmers which has an overwhelming impact on the communities we serve. However, not only do our banks and ancillaries support area businesses, but we also contribute to our school districts, youth programs, benefits and fundraisers. Our employees follow that lead by generously donating money and volunteer hours to good causes. We intend to continue to give back within our local communities and look forward to many more years of growth and community impact to come.”
Ohnward Bank & Trust employees presented monetary gifts to the Monticello Band Boosters, Van Buren Elementary School Library, Monticello Downtown Pocket Park, Monticello Food Pantry, Cascade Library, Cascade Booster Club, AMVETS, Onslow Chamberlain Park, Central City Backpack Program, and the Baldwin Fire Department.
Abram Tubbs, chairman and CEO of Ohnward Bank & Trust shared, “We are so proud of the creativity and compassion of our team. Their personal generosity matched with our organization’s contributions have made a real impact to many within our Ohnward footprint.”
Alan Tubbs, chairman and CEO of Ohnward Bancshares, Inc., has long been an advocate for paying it forward in his personal and professional life. By some estimates, he’s been doing so since he started at Ohnward Bancshares and First Central State Bank in 1972. “I commend each and every Ohnward employee for their community support through this initiative. I have long been an advocate for paying it forward. One individual can make a difference. When our over 260 Ohnward team members give back within our communities, we create positive change that reaches even further. We are blessed to live in such amazing communities where so much kind-heartedness happens every day. Our goal is for this initiative to encourage thoughtfulness and generosity which, in turn, make our communities better places to live, work, and play.”