First National Bank and Trust Company Donates additional $5,000 Toward the Vault
April 12, 2018
Clinton, Ill., April 12, 2018 - First National Bank and Trust Company has donated $5,000 toward the startup costs of The Vault in Clinton, Ill.
The Vault exists to provide a safe and healthy environment for social, academic, and spiritual growth where teens can develop relationships with caring adults who foster a sense of value and purpose as well as model and coach a hard work ethic and the importance of community service. First National Bank and Trust Company donated $25,000 in 2017 to help with the first-year startup costs for the teen center as a part of their community reinvestment promise. The bank has donated an additional $5,000 this year.
“Even without having officially opened their doors, the community has already witnessed the incredible impact The Vault has had on the youth of Clinton.” Said Josh Shofner, President. “To build on our donation from last year and to continue to partner with such a difference maker, really makes a lot of sense for First National Bank and Trust as part of our ongoing investment in the community. We share their vision of a June opening for phase one and wanted to help make that a reality.”
The idea of The Vault was conceived in 2003 as founder, Michelle Witzke, discovered there were little to no after school activities around town for her elementary-aged children along with a scarcity of opportunities for teens. As her own children grew into their teen years, she saw even more clearly how vital it was to meet this need in her community.
“Good choices require good options, and right now, there is not a single teen or community center space in our entire county. Our teens are wandering the streets and hanging out in parking lots, and we know that bored and unsupervised kids often become dangerous kids.” Said Michelle Witzke, Founder. “Our youth have a staggeringly high rate of drug use, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, teen pregnancies, and lower than average college attendance. Having this space will give the kids a choice. They will be able to take advantage of a variety of opportunities and services that will help them discover their gifts and talents, and see their value and purpose in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.”
The Vault is located in the heart of Clinton at 802 North Side Square and has been created as a community effort. The location has over 10,000 square feet of open space spanning two levels and will be designed, constructed and run side-by-side with the youth.
“The Vault leadership would like to sincerely thank First National Bank and Trust Company for their continued support of our mission to give our teens the fun, safe, and supportive space they need to reach their full potential.” Said Witzke. “Your $5,000 gift will get us much closer to the funds needed to finally give our DeWitt County kids a space to call their own. We can’t express enough how much we appreciate your generous gift. Your support of our kids is truly an investment in our future. Thank you so much!”
Photo (left to right) Michelle Witzke, The Vault; Tammy Shouse, Operations Officer; Barbara Powers, CSR Supervisor; Joshua Shofner, President.
Upcoming events - There are two events in April that are open to community to attend to support The Vault. On Saturday, April 21st, The Vault will hold their annual dinner and auction at the Wapella Community Center in Wapella. Tickets are $7.00 and include a spaghetti dinner and drink for dinner. To purchase tickets for this event, please contact a student vault leader, committee member or call/text 309-212-7332. You can also find additional information on the website or on their Facebook page.
On Sunday, April 22nd, First Christian Church in Clinton is hosting a concert to benefit the Vault. The Living Room Sessions Tour will feature Chris August, Jason Gray and Andy Gullahorn for an evening of acoustic stories and songs. Tickets range from $10 - $15 and are available through: iTickets.com or by calling First Christian Church Monday - Thursday at 217-395-3139.
For more information or to volunteer with The Vault, visit the website or email thevaultclinton@gmail.com.
First National Bank and Trust Company is a community bank located in Clinton, Illinois. Dedicated to community prosperity, the bank was chartered in 1872 under the name DeWitt County National Bank. The name was changed First National Bank and Trust Company in 1974, and was recently acquired by TS Banking Group in 2017. With $160 million in assets, First National Bank is dedicated to community reinvestment and gives 10% of its net income back to the community. For more information visit firstnbtc.com.