It’s November in Mount Clemens—time once again for Banksgiving.
No, that’s not a typo. Inspired by its 100th anniversary, First State Bank wanted to express its gratitude to the community more intentionally. The result: Banksgiving, which elevates often-overlooked nonprofits that are making a real difference in the lives of our locals.
Each year, community members help select five nonprofits. Four receive a $5,000 First State donation; one grand prize winner receives $10,000. Each organization also gains visibility through First State’s promotional efforts, which enhances their ability to impact the community.
Last year’s winners:
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More Than a Bus delivers food, hygiene items, and clothing to Metro Detroit’s underserved citizens, driving their bus into areas of poverty and homelessness
- Gianna House supplies housing, education and life skills to at-risk pregnant women and mothers, helping them transition to independence
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Family Youth Interventions gives shelter and support for homeless and at-risk youth ages 12-17; their core mission is to reunify youths with their families by improving communication
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Urban Seed has a vision of creating a network of urban gardens; their Giving Garden grows donation produce
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Grand prize winner Homes for Heroic Vets provides transitional housing for homeless veterans while connecting them with vital VA support and services.
Banksgiving has quickly blossomed into a vibrant platform for community engagement: its first year saw an astonishing 400 nominations from passionate locals. Many of these nonprofits were unfamiliar even to the bank’s own staff. To raise awareness, First State also developed the Community Caring Guide, a comprehensive resource that shines a light on these vital organizations.
As Banksgiving approaches, First State Bank invites everyone to be a part of the celebration. If you want to amplify the gratitude, cast your vote for the nonprofit you believe most deserves a Banksgiving financial boost from First State Bank. The winners will be announced on December 3—which, not coincidentally, is GivingTuesday (GivingTuesday.org).
To cast your vote from November 11-22, visit fsb.bank/banksgiving
"Banksgiving's organizations make me feel like a witness to unwavering greatness." —Amy Persyn, FSB CMO