For the campers at Variety — The Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley, the annual Annie Madden Sunshine Games are a highlight of the summer: a day filled with Olympic-style games, laughter, and memories made with friends.
And year after year, Firstrust Bank is there to help make it happen through both financial support and hands-on volunteering.
Firstrust presented Variety with a $12,693.70 donation to support its summer camp programs for children and young adults with disabilities. The contribution included $5,000 from the bank’s “Make Camp Happen” new accounts initiative, $2,693.70 in direct customer donations, and a $5,000 match from Firstrust.
The donation was part of a summer-long campaign launched June 3 in which Firstrust pledged $25 for every new checking account, certificate of deposit, or home equity line of credit opened before July 31. Customers also had the opportunity to make direct contributions at local branches, which the bank matched up to $5,000.
The bank’s commitment, though, went far beyond writing a check. Dozens of Firstrust employees traded in their business attire for t-shirts and sneakers, volunteering at the recent Annie Madden Sunshine Games to help grill food, run games, and cheer on campers throughout the day.
“We are grateful to have Firstrust volunteers be a key part of our annual Annie Madden Sunshine Games,” said Variety CEO Dominique Bernardo. “From grilling to running the games for our campers, the volunteers show up with a smile and ready to make the day a memorable one. This event is a highlight of the summer, and we could not offer such a large-scale event without this volunteer support.”
The Sunshine Games honor the memory of Annie Madden, a Variety camp counselor who died tragically in a car accident in 1999. A year after her death, her parents, Jim and Mary Ellen, decided there was no better way to invoke Annie’s memory than an annual care-free day of fun for campers.
Firstrust’s “Make Camp Happen” campaign is just the latest chapter in the bank’s nearly half-century partnership with Variety. Since 1976, Firstrust has supported the nonprofit’s mission to enrich the lives of children and young adults with disabilities through social, educational, and vocational programs that foster independence, confidence, and life skills.
“At Firstrust, we believe that every child and young adult with disabilities deserves the opportunity to build valuable life skills, cultivate friendships, and create lifelong memories in a supportive and engaging environment,” said Tim Abell, CEO and President of Firstrust Bank. “We’re proud to partner with Variety to help continue their incredible work as they make a difference in the lives of so many in our region.”
That support has taken many forms over the years, from direct donations and sponsorships to program support and volunteer involvement. The relationship is rooted in a shared belief that every child should have the chance to enjoy the fun, growth, and connections that summer camp provides.
Variety’s summer camp serves children and young adults ages 5 to 22 at its main campus in Worcester and a satellite location at Temple University. The program offers a mix of recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities designed to be accessible for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Campers can swim, play baseball and basketball, try their hand at arts and crafts, and explore a range of skill-building opportunities — all while forming friendships and building confidence in a supportive setting. For parents and caregivers, the camp also provides valuable respite time.
“Our summer programs give campers the opportunity to increase independence and form new friendships, while offering respite for parents and caregivers,” said Bernardo. “We’re appreciative of any and all support that help make these experiences possible.”
Learn more about how Firstrust Bank cultivates prosperity for the communities it serves and partners with leading charitable organizations across the Philadelphia region.
