(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted to the Patriot by Casey Merkwan, Community Marketing Manager at Old National Bank.)
Old National Bank celebrated its first Better Together Volunteer Days on Sept. 28-29. The two-day event provided team members across Old National’s seven-state footprint the opportunity to volunteer together in the communities where they live and work. During the event, 1,572 ONB team members served 110 organizations by volunteering more than 5,300 hours. There were also virtual volunteer opportunities for those who could not participate in person.
“As Old National grows geographically, serving in our communities really keeps us grounded in terms of our mission as a community bank,” said Kathy Schoettlin, Chief Brand & Culture Officer. “We’re excited for this opportunity to help strengthen our communities through volunteerism, and we’re proud of our team members for making service a real part of our company culture.”
Locations in the Minnesota Market partnered with Meals from the Heart, based in Stillwater, to pack meals for local food shelves. During Better Together Days over 200 volunteers, which included Old National team members, as well as the team’s family members and community members, packed over 130,000 meals.
“Meals from the Heart was honored to work with Old National Bank in its inaugural Better Together Days. ONB really lives the mission of local service for a local impact,” said Todd King, Co-Founder of Meals from the Heart.
Old National’s inaugural Better Together Days happen to fall in September, which is also the Minnesota Bankers Association’s Community Impact Month, which gives member banks a focused period to engage employees in community service activities. This campaign helps showcase the vital role that banks play in their communities throughout the year. Old National has been an active participant in Community Impact Month for several years.
The Minnesota Market also added a bonus volunteer day on Sept. 27, where over 50 volunteers packed meals in Montevideo. The packing session in Montevideo had the largest turnout, with volunteers joining Old National from the school district, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Old National team members’ families.
“Montevideo has a reputation of coming together to meet the needs of the community as a whole,” said Montevideo School District Superintendent Wade McKittrick. “This event was a great example of that. It was fun to see a variety of people from elementary age to senior citizens rolling up their sleeves, putting on a hairnet, and having fun while supporting an incredible cause. Thank you to Old National Bank, Meals from the Heart, and all the volunteers who showed up to support their neighbors.”
The meals Old National packed over the course of three days went to 20 local organizations: 360 Communities in Burnsville, Backpack Program in Minneapolis, Basic Needs of South Washington County in Cottage Grove, Big Lake Food Shelf, Bring it Home in Montevideo, Buffalo Food Shelf, CAPI USA in Brooklyn Center, Chippewa County Food Shelf in Montevideo, Cross Services in Rogers, ECHO Food Shelf in Mankato, Gather and Grow in Waconia, Hope Bridge Food Shelf in New Hope, Keystone Community Services in St. Paul, First Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Friends in Need in St. Paul Park, Lac Qui Parle County Food Shelf/Madison Food Shelf, Open Hands Midway in St. Paul, Prairie Five Community Action in Montevideo, Ruby’s Pantry (various locations) and VEAP in Bloomington.
About Old National
Old National Bancorp (NASDAQ: ONB), the holding company of Old National Bank, is the sixth largest commercial bank headquartered in the Midwest. With approximately $46 billion of assets and $28 billion of assets under management, Old National ranks among the top 35 banking companies based in the U.S. and has been recognized as a World’s Most Ethical Company by the Ethisphere Institute for eleven consecutive years.
Since its founding in 1834, Old National Bank has focused on community banking by building long-term, highly valued partnerships with clients and in the communities it serves. In addition to providing extensive services in retail and commercial banking, Old National offers comprehensive wealth management, investment, and capital market services.
For more information and financial data, please visit Investor Relations at oldnational.com.
