Empowering Local Resilience: First Interstate Bank's Transformative Gift to the Perry Area Emergency Food Council

In a remarkable display of community support, the Perry Area Emergency Food Council recently received a substantial ,000 gift from First Interstate Bank and the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation. This donation, part of the bank's third-annual Believe in Local grant campaign, will be instrumental in addressing the pressing issue of hunger and food insecurity within the region.

Strengthening the Fabric of the Community

Empowering the Perry Area Emergency Food Council's Mission

The Perry Area Emergency Food Council has long been a beacon of hope for those in immediate need of food assistance. This generous donation from First Interstate Bank will enable the organization to further its mission of providing vital sustenance to the community. "We are incredibly appreciative of First Interstate's generosity and support," remarked Site Manager Lou Hoger. "This donation helps us to amplify our efforts in addressing hunger and ensuring that no one in our community goes without the nourishment they need."

Fostering Collaborative Partnerships

The partnership between the Perry Area Emergency Food Council and First Interstate Bank exemplifies the power of community-driven initiatives. "We're thankful to have dedicated partners like First Interstate working with us to support and strengthen our community," Hoger continued. This collaborative approach not only bolsters the council's resources but also underscores the shared commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.

Celebrating the Believe in Local Campaign

First Interstate Bank's Believe in Local campaign, launched in 2022, reflects the institution's unwavering dedication to the communities it serves. Each year, the bank selects 40 nonprofit organizations across its 14-state footprint to receive a ,000 gift, recognizing their alignment with the bank's philanthropic goals. The Perry Area Emergency Food Council was nominated by local First Interstate employees and chosen from a pool of over 550 submissions, a testament to the council's impactful work.

Embodying the Spirit of Community Banking

"Giving back to the places we call home is central to who we are as a community bank," said Sarah Cerwinske, Financial Service Representative at First Interstate Bank. "Our Believe in Local grant campaign captures our core values in action and is the ideal way to celebrate the nonprofit organizations that deliver the greatest positive impact." This sentiment underscores the bank's commitment to supporting the communities it serves, ensuring that they thrive and prosper.

Expanding the Reach of Philanthropic Efforts

In addition to initiatives like the Believe in Local campaign, First Interstate Bank's philanthropic efforts extend beyond the Perry Area Emergency Food Council. The bank makes annual donations and grants of 2% of its pre-tax earnings to local communities, aiding in the improvement of workforce development, boosting early childhood education, mitigating poverty, and supporting a wide range of nonprofit organizations. This holistic approach to community investment demonstrates the bank's unwavering dedication to making a lasting impact.

Fostering a Resilient and Vibrant Community

The transformative gift from First Interstate Bank to the Perry Area Emergency Food Council represents a significant step forward in addressing the pressing issue of hunger and food insecurity. By empowering the council's mission, fostering collaborative partnerships, and expanding the reach of philanthropic efforts, this donation will undoubtedly contribute to the creation of a more resilient and vibrant community. As the Perry Area Emergency Food Council continues its vital work, the support of partners like First Interstate Bank will be instrumental in ensuring that no one is left behind.