Four local Arts non-profits were awarded $5,000 for receiving the most votes in Investing With You contest
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Independent Bank wrapped up their donation campaign, Investing with You, this month with four local Arts non-profits each winning $5,000.Throughout the year, employees donated $1.50 every Friday to wear jeans, and the Bank matched those donations for a total of $60,000 for 2015. The contest began in April, and was divided into three phases, with each phase focusing on a different category. Phase one was designated to local schools in the communities served by Independent Bank. Phase two, which concluded in September, was devoted to local non-profit organizations in the categories of: Animal, Health, Human Services, and Military/Public Services. Phase three concluded on December 14, and focused on non-profit organizations that support the Arts. All three phases of the contest were held on Independent Bank’s website, www.IndependentBank.com/Investing.
For the third phase, the public had the opportunity to nominate a local non-profit that supports the Arts November 1-15, 2015. Qualification criteria included a non-profit’s location being in a county that Independent Bank serves, or within 10 miles of a branch, as well as it being considered a 501 (c) organization. There were a total of 63 qualified Arts non-profits nominated, and just under 68,000 votes cast during phase three.
The voting period took place November 30 through December 14, 2015. Eligible voters had to be 18 years or older, and be a resident of Michigan for the votes to qualify. Voters were able to vote once per day for the entire voting period.
“Focusing on non-profits that support the Arts was a great way to conclude our Investing with You campaign. We had an overwhelming amount of support and participation in this campaign, and it has been a wonderful experience working with all of the organizations throughout the year. We are thrilled that we have had the opportunity to help so many different organizations in our communities, and it is great to see all of the positive things that these organizations are able to do,” said Director of Marketing, Tricia Raquepaw.
The winning non-profit organizations that support the Arts were:
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Clio Cast & Crew, Inc.
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Midland Center for the Arts
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Greater Port Austin Art and Placemaking Fund
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Grand Rapids Youth Symphony
“It has been such a pleasure to have the opportunity to help some wonderful organizations throughout the Investing with You campaign. These organizations provide positive experiences for our community members, and we are proud that we were able to offer some support throughout the year. At Independent Bank, we greatly value our communities, and working with other organizations that strive to make our communities great was an honor,” said President and CEO, Brad Kessel.
Kristen Wuerfel, Marketing Director at Midland Center for the Arts said, “We are thrilled to have been awarded $5,000 from Independent Bank, and thank them for their investment in the Arts! Thank you also to all of our patrons and volunteers for their tireless voting during the contest.”
“With the support of businesses like Independent Bank, our Clio Cast & Crew members, and our Facebook family, our theater and community will continue to grow,” said Patrick Hubbard, President of Clio Cast & Crew, Inc.
“How thoughtful and generous of Independent Bank to offer such a great promotion,” said Barbara Hammond, Grand Rapids Youth Symphony Manager. “We had alumni all the way back from the 1970s who jumped in to help vote. It was an amazing experience. Teachers, parents, neighbors, co-workers, Grand Rapids Symphony musicians, and even Board members are just a few who showed consistent daily support. It will be remembered for a long time. We are very grateful!”
Chris Boyle from Greater Port Austin Art and Placemaking Fund said, “This grant will really help our small town promote the arts and complete its vision for installation arts.”
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