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Bank’s Gift Benefits Children’s Homes’ Pool

Bank’s Gift Benefits Children’s Homes’ Pool

August 08, 2011

Children at Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) campus in Thomasville have kept cool during record summer temperatures thanks to a gift from Bank of North Carolina. The bank gave a $20,000 donation for maintenance and renovations of the Mills Home swimming pool.

“The swimming pool is an integral part of summer activities for both the residents of Mills Home as well as the community children who attend our Weekday Education centers,” said BCH president Michael C. Blackwell. “Economically, it would have been impossible to open and operate the pool this year if not for the commitment of our friends at Bank of North Carolina.”

In addition to providing for necessary maintenance needs, Bank of North Carolina’s contribution funded the construction of a new fence for the pool area as well as a gazebo providing shelter from the sun.

“Bank of North Carolina first began 20 years ago in Thomasville, and we’ve always felt the need to be involved in our community,” said Bank of North Carolina CEO W. Swope Montgomery, Jr. “I think helping with the pool is the least we can do considering all the good work the people at the Mills Home campus do for children.”

Sam Barefoot, BCH Treasurer/CFO, said the relationship between Baptist Children’s Homes and Bank of North Carolina dates back to the bank’s beginnings in 1991.

“They have always been very supportive of Baptist Children’s Homes and the community,” Barefoot said. “When we approached Swope with the need, he made the decision on the spot.”

Mills Home provides residential services to boys and girls helping them and their families overcome personal and family challenges. In addition, three five-star Weekday Education centers operate on the Mills Home campus providing developmentally appropriate programs, including NC Pre-Kindergarten, for community children beginning at six weeks old through fifth grade.

Since 1885, Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina has helped children and families. BCH began with one campus, Mills Home in Thomasville, but now provides services in 18 communities across the state.

Photo: Staff members from Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH) and Bank of North Carolina gather to celebrate at the newly renovated swimming pool with residents of BCH’s Mills Home and children attending the campus’ Weekday Education centers. Bank of North Carolina made a $20,000 donation for the Mills Home pool. Left to Right: Angie Rubnich, Thomasville Branch Manager, Bank of North Carolina; Swope Montgomery, CEO, Bank of North Carolina; Michael C. Blackwell, President, Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina; Earl Snipes, Thomasville City Executive, Bank of North Carolina.

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