The ultimate goal of Giving Hearts Day is to create stronger, healthier communities and a better way of life for everyone. And who better embodies that than the bank with that mission right in their tagline?
“Giving Hearts Day is special because it truly reflects the spirit of generosity in our communities,” says Amanda Torok, Senior Vice President of Culture at Gate City Bank. “As a community-focused bank, we’re committed to creating a better way of life for the places we call home. Giving Hearts Day amplifies our mission by bringing people together to make a meaningful impact.”
Now in its 14th year as a Giving Hearts Business, there’s perhaps no local business that exemplifies the give-back spirit more than Gate City Bank. From distributing thousands of GHD snowbank signs to hosting its annual nomination contest — where community members can nominate their favorite charities to receive a major financial gift and which once included a record $100,000 donation— to doubling their team’s own gifts by matching donations, Gate City Bank provides a variety of ways for team members to give back in ways that are most meaningful to them.
“We’re approaching nearly 1 million charity nominations submitted through our contest since it began, which is proof of how deeply our communities care,” says Torok, adding that Gate City Bank’s total philanthropic impact on GHD has now reached $2.2 million. “We’re looking forward to surpassing 1 million nominations this year.”
Probably the most fun part of Giving Hearts Day for her and her team, Torok says, are the annual surprises they get to spring on unsuspecting charities in the form of nomination contest awards and “Golden Tickets.”
“We love surprises!” says Torok, whose team presents the awards in person each year in communities throughout the region. “Witnessing the emotional reactions of organizations receiving transformational support is truly remarkable. It leaves an everlasting impact.”
For fellow businesses unsure about whether Giving Hearts Day is for them — or just unsure of where to start — she has a few simple words of advice:
“Pick charities to support that align with your own mission,” Torok says. “Every act of generosity matters and makes an impact, so engage your team to give back through their time, talents, or treasure. Most importantly, have fun supporting these charities that make our communities great. It’s really that enthusiasm from local charities — and our own team members — that continually inspires us every year.”
