FIRST BANK ANNOUNCES $89,000 GIVEN TO EDUCATORS IN THE CAROLINAS

Rhea-AI Summary

First Bank has announced the continuation of its Project Launch contest, distributing $89,550 in educational grants through May 2022. This year-long initiative aims to encourage innovation in education, committing a total of $500,000. Recent winners in May include educators from Elizabeth City, Asheville, and Durham, receiving funds for projects promoting mental health, outdoor play, and specialized reading instruction. The bank is dedicated to supporting local educators and communities, with additional initiatives planned such as the "Out of this World Educator" awards in the fall.

Positive

• Awarded $89,550 in educational grants through May 2022.
• Part of a larger commitment of $500,000 for the year.
• Supports multiple educational projects across North Carolina and South Carolina.

Negative

• None.

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C., June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- First Bank continues its Project Launch contest, awarding $89,550 through May 2022.  Each month winners in the year-long initiative, committing $500,000 over the course of the year, are chosen from hundreds of entries by a committee of bankers, community members and/or stakeholders.  

Project Launch encourages and rewards innovation and creativity in varied forms of education and is open to educators, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and creative thinkers who may need the financial support and a partnership that will help them get their education-based projects off the ground.

The following highlights the most recent winners and those from previous months:

• May 2022 - $48,500 awarded:
• Jennifer Holley of Elizabeth City, NC – Sheep Harney Elementary School
  Supporting physical, emotional, and mental health through building a comprehensive library and sets of tools to encourage growth and wellness in these areas.
• Nick Jaeger of Asheville, NC – Early Learning Center at the Irene Wortham Center
  To install outdoor elements for sensory play on the playgrounds of the school to engage in their surroundings, promote problem solving, and develop fine motor skills.
• Anna Britt of Durham, NC – Glenn Elementary School
  To train 6 teachers and interventionalists to provide specific reading instruction to the neediest readers in the school. This program entails multi-sensory components and is deeply influenced by Orton-Gillingham methods.
• April 2022 - $10,000 awarded:
• Nadine Traughber of Cary, NC – Trips for Kids RDU
• March 2022 - $8,250 awarded:
• Roslyn Carney of Marshall, NC – Bush Creek Elementary School
• Jaquarnia Ingram of Cheraw, SC – Long Middle School
• Amber Greene of Winston-Salem, NC – Quality Education Academy
• February 2022 - $22,800 awarded
• Octavio Perez of Hickory, NC – Clyde Campbell Elementary School
• Angela Ramos Martinez of Burlington, NC – Eastlawn Elementary School
• Jonathan Thill of Asheboro, NC – Black Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
• Devin Hocutt of Angier, NC – Harnett Central High School
• Debbie Bond of Elgin, SC – PACE Academy
• Leesa Jones of Washington, NC – Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum
• Lynn Duffy of Leland, NC – bringing a Story Walk to the Leland area
• Liz Noland of Winston-Salem, NC – The Downtown School

In addition to giving funds directly, First Bank recently gifted multiple copies of various James Patterson Middle School series of books to each middle school in Moore County, NC and the Moore County Literacy Council in anticipation of the June 10, 2022 event where Mr. Patterson visited the area.  Project Launch will also include the "Out of this World Educator" awards this fall (more details to come) that will celebrate teachers in communities throughout the Carolinas. 

First Bank's President & CEO, Mike Mayer, commented, "First Bank is committed to making a big impact on education in the communities we serve, a $500,000 impact. It's engrained in the First Bank culture to give back, make a difference and care, and these educators and innovators do the same. They are so committed to the people in our community, it's admirable, and we are recognizing that with donations, time, books, gratitude and more.  We are thrilled to be helping where we can."

To learn more or enter the contest visit https://localfirstbank.com/projectlaunch/.

About us:

First Bank is the banking subsidiary of First Bancorp and is headquartered in Southern Pines, North Carolina, with total assets of approximately $10.7 billion. As a state-chartered community bank, First Bank operates 110 bank branches in North Carolina and South Carolina. Since 1935, First Bank has taken a tailored approach to banking, combining best-in-class financial solutions, helpful local expertise, and technology to manage a home or business. First Bancorp's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "FBNC." Visit our website at www.LocalFirstBank.com. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-bank-announces-89-000-given-to-educators-in-the-carolinas-301567981.html

SOURCE First Bank

FAQ

What is Project Launch by First Bank?

Project Launch is a contest that supports innovation and creativity in education by providing grants to educators, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs.

How much has First Bank awarded through Project Launch?

As of May 2022, First Bank has awarded a total of $89,550 through its Project Launch initiative.

Who were the recent winners of Project Launch?

Recent winners include Jennifer Holley, Nick Jaeger, and Anna Britt, receiving funds for various educational projects.

What is the total commitment for Project Launch for the year?

First Bank is committing a total of $500,000 through the Project Launch initiative for the year.

When is the 'Out of this World Educator' awards event?

Details for the 'Out of this World Educator' awards will be announced later this fall.