The Bank of Texas team recently surprised The Women’s Center of Tarrant County with a $10,000 donation. The Women’s Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering people to overcome violence, crisis and poverty, was chosen by bank employees’ votes as part of its annual Guide the Giving initiative.

“Our team didn’t just vote—they voted with their hearts and with their local knowledge,” says Bill McCoy, Fort Worth market CEO. “They chose a nonprofit that they see making a difference every day in the neighborhoods they call home. Supporting that choice is one of the most meaningful things we can do as a company. The Women’s Center’s mission to [help] Fort Worth’s residents overcome these hardships is one we’re grateful for the chance to help support.”

Stephanie Reyes, healthcare loan coordination specialist and a Women’s Center board member, nominated the organization and presented the check to Laura Hilgart, The Women’s Center president and CEO. McCoy and Candy Nickelson, regional community relations and marketing manager for Bank of Texas, were involved in the surprise.

Each year, BOK Financial, the parent company of Bank of Texas, hosts the Guide the Giving program, inviting its employees to nominate charities in their communities. Employees then vote on the nominees and a winning nonprofit organization is selected in each market.

“This is such an impactful initiative,” says Jeff Reid, chief human resource officer for BOK Financial. “Not only is this extra visibility for nonprofits doing great work in our community, but it’s also a tremendous source of pride for our employees who take very seriously the chance to determine where these dollars are directed.”

Established in 1984, Bank of Texas is a division of BOK Financial Corp. headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It currently operates more than 30 branches in Texas.