IMAGE: (Pictured, from left to right: Boris Dover, Dale Cole, Lindi Miller, Pat Rutherford, Mila Mote, Rachel Guerin) / Image via First Community Bank
A Batesvile-based bank has topped their fundraising record for March of Dimes.
In a media release, First Community Bank announced this week that it raised $13,375 for the nonprofit that champions for the health of all moms and babies. Donations were accepted at the Independence and Sharp County branches from customers and team members at the annual spring March for Babies walk event and through multiple fundraising events over the past year.
“I am grateful for the efforts and generosity of our customers and team members who year after year support March of Dimes as it fearlessly works to provide all mothers and babies with the best possible start to life,” said Boris Dover, president and chief operating officer of First Community Bank. “I sincerely thank our customers and team members for their generosity as it is their efforts that make this fundraiser a great success.”
“We’re grateful and excited to have the continued support of First Community,” says Rachel Guerin, state executive director of March of Dimes. “Strong partnerships like ours with First Community Bank are vital to our mission to help raise awareness of the health issues moms and babies face in this country through education, advocacy, research, and support.”
“It is very exciting to be involved in supporting a nonprofit that can directly benefit our state and local community,” said Mila Mote, HMDA specialist the bank. “Each First Community Bank employee was a major contributor to this year’s success, which wouldn’t have been possible without our team leader, cherished co-worker and March of Dimes board member, Pat Rutherford.”
“First Community Bank is committed to strengthening and investing in the communities that it serves and values the opportunity to support such an important cause. Fundraising efforts this year have included Blue Jeans for Babies, Bowl for Babies, silent auctions, bake sales, team t-shirt orders and a corporate donation,” the release noted.
March of Dimes gives more than four million babies born each year the best possible start. Nearly half a million of them are born prematurely or with birth defects. Premature birth and its complications are the largest contributors to infant death in the U.S., and pregnancy-related death has more than doubled over the past 25 years. March of Dimes celebrates a legacy of collective wins throughout more than 80 years as an organization.
To learn how March of Dimes is making a difference in a community near you, visit marchofdimes.org.
