By Connie Leinbach
The Ocracoke branch of Yadkin Bank was the top fundraiser in the bank’s October charity drive to raise money for non-profits designated by each market.
The Ocracoke branch raised $4,055 for Ocracoke Community Park, the most out of any single of the 73 bank branches in North and South Carolina, according to a Yadkin press release.
A check in that amount, which included $500 matching money from Yadkin, was presented Nov. 6 to Bob Chestnut, president of Ocracoke Youth Center, the umbrella organization for the ball park.
“I was amazed at what we were able to accomplish in a month’s time,” said Judith Garrish, Ocracoke branch manager.
She noted that this fundraising event came at a time when islanders are getting laid off from work. So, she was surprised that the branch won.
“The community really pulls together,” she said. “The community park is something that not only benefits the kids but others in the community.”
In total, Yadkin Bank branches in both states raised $55,000 for local charities.
The campaign was the final step in uniting branches across the Carolinas following the recent merger between Yadkin Bank and VantageSouth Bank.
In conjunction with the charity drives, Yadkin branches invited customers and members of the community to enter a raffle.
Ocracoke’s customer appreciation day was Nov. 6, and the staff chose a Hollywood theme, said Laura Belch, personal banker in the branch.
Jamie Tunnell Carter, one of the raffle winners, will be included in the drawing tomorrow (Nov. 19) for a grand prize of a vacation giveaway.
Other local raffle winners, who won Yadkin merchandise, were Bob Toth, Darlene Styron-Doshier, Laurie Garrish, Alfredo Trejo Contreras, Heather Johnson, Robert King, Lynette Waller, Alan Sutton and Megan Aldridge.
“I am humbled by the enthusiastic involvement and generosity of our employees and customers,” said Scott Custer, Yadkin Bank CEO, in a press release. “Helping our local communities is a priority for Yadkin Bank, and it has been amazing to see that echoed by each of our 73 branches across the Carolinas.”
