On October 7, the Texas Bankers Association (TBA) and the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced that more than $360,000 has been raised to support those directly impacted by the Robb School shooting in Uvalde on May 24. The joint effort, administered through the Texas Bankers Foundation, has concluded and has distributed all funds to the Uvalde Together We Rise Fund in a check presentation at the First State Bank of Uvalde.
“Texas community banks and individual bankers united with companies and organizations from across the nation to help,” notes Chris Furlow, TBA president and CEO. “We know there is no amount of money that can remove the deep hurt of May 24, but these funds represent a heartfelt embrace for the community of Uvalde and are intended to offer comfort and hope to survivors and victim families.”
“We continue to think of the families affected by this tragedy and the immeasurable grief with which they are living,” says Christopher Williston VI, president and CEO of IBAT. “The funds raised in this effort are an outpouring of love from mothers, fathers and grandparents alike who want nothing more than to convey to the families of Uvalde that they are not alone in their heartbreak. We pray this expression provides some measure of consolation to all who are living with the pain of loss.”
“First State Bank of Uvalde officers, staff and board are so thankful for the full support and backing of TBA, IBAT and all the banks that supported our community,” says Chad D. Stary, First State Bank of Uvalde president and CEO. “There is no doubt that Texas bankers went above and beyond to give out of their own pockets and show true care for their fellow Texans when the need arose. We had tons of calls, emails and prayers from so many banks. We even had a bank call from out of state and offer to send staff to help. I am again so thankful and we were blessed by all the compassion given.”
The final check presentation was made at the First State Bank of Uvalde on October 7 with Stary, Furlow and Williston joined by Jocelyn Carby, TBA Foundation director, and Curt Nelson, IBAT director of membership.
Those still interested in donating to help Uvalde should direct their efforts to the Uvalde Together We Rise–National Compassion Fund, which will continue to accept funds through October 19.
Pictured above: Jocelyn Carby, TBA Foundation director; Chris Furlow, TBA president and CEO; Chad D. Stary, First State Bank of Uvalde president and CEO; Christopher Williston VI, IBAT president and CEO; and Curt Nelson, IBAT director of membership.
