Hoosier Banker 49 importance of helping all banks weather the crisis. Through weekly calls – and sometimes daily calls – there was a continuous flow of information and feedback between ABA in Washington and all 50 states. This collaboration was vital as policymakers worked to calibrate and recalibrate rules and regulations implementing the first CARES Act. I have no doubt that this engagement will continue through passage of stimulus packages. These are just a few takeaways from this historic period. In the years ahead, I’m sure there will be even more robust lookbacks and more lessons that can be extrapolated from the coronavirus crisis. And the result of all of that learning, I hope, will only serve to make us stronger, safer and even more prepared for the future. HB Home Bank, Martinsville, donated a total of $130,000 during the holiday season to 13 not-for-profit organizations based in Morgan, Johnson and Hendricks counties. In celebration of its 130th anniversary, the bank donated $10,000 each to: Angel Care; Barbara B. Jordan YMCA; Churches in Mission; Desert Rose Foundation; Family Promise of Hendricks County; The Gathering Together; Habitat for Humanity of Johnson County; Habitat for Humanity of Morgan County; Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition; Interchurch Food Pantry; KIC-It; WellSpring/Community Service Center; and Morgan County Weekday Religious Education. First Bank Richmond made several contributions in the fourth quarter of 2020. As a community partner of the United Way, the bank donated $43,303.90 to the UW 2020 campaign, of which $28,000 was a total corporate contribution and the remainder employee pledges. Additionally, the bank made the following donations: $1,500 to Brighter Path Inc.; $5,000 to Richmond Civic Theatre; $5,000 to the Wayne County Historical Museum; $1,500 to the Model T Museum; and $5,000 to Cope Environmental Center. Community First Bank of Indiana, Kokomo, has partnered with The Kokomo Post and Expressions Design Co. to establish the CommuniTee Giveback Program to assist local charities. The program provides apparel and merchandise to a designated nonprofit each month, starting in February and concluding in December. The design company creates and crafts the merchandise, the newspaper sells the products on its website, and Community First Bank of Indiana matches proceeds and donations up to $5,500 for the year. Each of the 11 nonprofits will be eligible for up to $500 in matching funds from the bank. HB BANKING ON COMMUNITY Richard E. Belcher, chairman and CEO of First Federal Savings Bank, Rochester, has donated $3.1 million to several organizations throughout Fulton County. He and his late wife, Suzanne – ascribing to the philosophy that to whom much is given, much is expected – had drafted an estate plan to give back to the community. Mrs. Belcher passed away in 2014, and Mr. Belcher was diagnosed with ALS in 2020, prompting him to take action to enact the bequest. As a result, the $3.1 million gift from the Belchers has been distributed to the following organizations: Matthew’s Market, a local food pantry; the Fulton County Animal Center; Grace United Methodist Church; Fountain Park; Fulton County Historical Society Endowment; Fulton County Habitat for Humanity; Fulton County Parks Department; Woodlawn Hospital Foundation; and the First Federal Savings Bank Endowment Fund. Indiana Trust Wealth Management, Mishawaka, has launched a monthly “nonprofit spotlight” initiative designed to recognize, reward and promote a nonprofit organization in one or more of the company’s footprint areas. Recipient organizations will receive corporate donations of $1,000 each and be eligible for dollar-for-dollar corporate matching gifts for Indiana Trust employee donations of $25 or more during 2021. The designated January nonprofit spotlight organization is the United Way. Dick Belcher (front, center), founder of First Federal Savings Bank, Rochester, is shown with representatives of the beneficiary organizations of his $3.1 million donation. Home Bank donated funds to Interchurch Food Pantry as part of its Thirteen Weeks of Giving program. Carol Phipps of the food pantry (center), accepts a donation from Home Bank associates Elizabeth Reynolds (left) and CJ Hobson. IN MEMORY OF Monteal C. Lepper, 79, director and former president of Farmers and Merchants Bank, Laotto, died Jan. 7. He served as president of the bank for nine years before retiring in 2006. Lepper was a member of the Indiana Bankers Association 40 Year Club and a veteran of the U.S. Navy. HB
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