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Helping Hands
In 1991, at the Savings & Community Bankers of America (SCBA) annual convention, the spouses got together and formed a group they call Housing Partners. The idea and purpose of the group caught the attention of the trade organization, and now everyone participates-including state leagues, financial institutions, vendors, corporations and individuals
Housing Partners chooses a housing related charity (that receives no government funding) in the city in which the annual convention is to be held, and during the convention raises funds for that charity. Sometimes they do so through holding a craft show, stocked with crafts made by the members. It is possible to find donated, hand made counted cross stitch pieces, quilts, wooden children's toys, baby garments, paintings, and jewelry, among other one-of-a-kind items at these craft shows.
Often there is also an entertainment fund raiser. Last year, between the craft show and a standing-room only jazz event, $35,000 was raised and given to My House, a residence for homeless mothers and children in New Orleans.
This year, the Housing Partners were particularly successful at the Orlando, Florida session in October. The craft show realized $20,000, and the benefit concert featuring pianist Marvin Hamlisch raised another $30,000. A $50,000 check was given to Orlando's House of Hope-a Christian home for runaway girls.
If you'd like information on how you can participate in the Housing Partners effort, call Kit Harahan (202) 857-3138.
Editor's Note: It is not at all unusual for financial institutions to be involved in projects such as Housing Partners. At a much more local level, we used to have a doll dressing contest at my bank for the Christmas season. The bank supplied the dolls, and anyone who wanted to compete for the extra week's vacation dressed one. Judging was tough! As they were completed, the dolls were displayed in the banking offices, creating a holiday wonderland. They were distributed to local orphanages, shelters, etc., just before Christmas.
Won't you send along what your financial institution is doing in (and for) your community? We'd like to list them all, with your institution's name, in a future issue. Our FAX number is (610) 872-6231.
Copyright © 1994 Bankers' Hotline. Originally appeared in Bankers' Hotline, Vol. 5, No. 4, 12/94
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