Independence Bank Nears One Million Dollars for Tornado Relief
Commonwealth Compassion: Horses of Hope nets more than a quarter million
The evening of December 10th, 2021 indefinitely changed the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s landscape. A deadly late-season tornado outbreak produced catastrophic damage across portions of the southern United States. Dozens of Kentuckians lost their lives. The daylight dawned a somber Saturday morning. Surviving residents were able to see the scope of destructed homes, businesses and area attractions.
Despite the downpour that wreaked havoc, heartache and hurt, helpers have sought out opportunities to heal. Independence Bank, which operates locations in three tornado-impacted counties, immediately began to explore fundraising efforts in Graves, Hopkins and Warren Counties.
In Andy Grammer’s song, Keep Your Head Up, a portion of the lyrics say “Only rainbows after rain. The sun will always come again.”
One month prior to the weather event, the Bank announced expansion plans into Lexington. The city’s Bank President, Stacy Berge, had an existing relationship with non-profit organization LexArts. To celebrate 50 years, the art entity decided to bring back Horse Mania this year. The concept is a charitable cause, which features beautifully painted fiberglass horse statues. Independence Bank purchased three blank sculptures with a dual purpose. The main objective remains raising funds for selected non-profits and organizations within impacted communities. The colorful collaborations, much like a rainbow, will also be an endless beautiful spot in those areas.
“The last twelve months have, undoubtedly, been a struggle for so many people,” Independence Bank Marketing Director Bridget Reid reflected. “This time frame has also created a chance for people across the country to unite in a unique way. The damage will never be dismissed. However, an important aspect of our work culture at the Bank is bringing people together. This storm tore so many items apart. Watching these new friendships form, combined with the contributions, has been our pot of gold.”
On Friday, December 2nd, Resolute, In the Presence of Inflorescence and Fabric of Love, previously unveiled at the Capitol by Governor Andy Beshear, were presented to a crowd at Keeneland during the LexArts’ Fabulous at 50 event. The three works of art were a collaboration between local students and professional artists. Private donations from community members and corporate sponsors are paired with the funds collected during paddle raises at the LexArts charity event. At least $44,000 will be split between the Family Resource Centers at Warren County Schools and Bowling Green Independence School Districts. The Mayfield-Graves Ice House Art Guild will be given at least $98,000. Meanwhile, at least $136,000 will be donated in an effort to rebuild the Dawson Springs baseball and softball fields at the city park. Student artist Camryn LaGrange spoke of the Dawson Springs design.
“It is like a quilt holding all the pieces together,” LaGrange said. “To unify us, to warm us, to remind us of our strengths, to regrow, to rebuild, to appreciate our wildlife and natural spaces, our food, traditions, neighbors, loved ones, celebrations, the inside jokes and history.”
This combined project total of approximately $278,037 netted by Commonwealth Compassion: Horses of Hope is only a portion of the funds raised by the Bank for relief. As of November 28th, Independence Bank has raised an additional $706,148 — bringing the cumulative relief total to $984,185.
“We must listen when these wild ideas appear in our thoughts,” Di Boyer, Director of Giving for LexArts shared. “Fundraising for the arts has been my greatest joy—and the Commonwealth Compassion: Horses of Hope project has accomplished healing and hope in ways we could have never imagined.”
The three horses will soon return to Graves, Hopkins and Warren Counties. Although natural disasters may be unpredictable, Independence Bank is Here For Good.
ABOUT INDEPENDENCE BANK:
Independence Bank is a regional community bank with 29 locations in Calloway, Daviess, Fayette, Franklin, Graves, Hancock, Henderson, Hopkins, Jefferson, Logan, McCracken, McLean, Shelby, Warren and Webster counties. One of the fastest growing banks in Kentucky and fifth largest, Independence Bank possesses the size and experience to serve the largest and most complex clients and offers trust and investment services and agricultural services. As a banking revolution for the people, by the people, central to Independence Bank’s mission is doing what is right and fair for customers, communities and employees. Independence Bank has been recognized in multiple categories by the American Bankers Association, including being named a Top Performing Bank and Best Bank to Work For, for 14 consecutive years, a Best Place to Work in Kentucky for 12 years and has assets totaling $3.4 billion.
ABOUT LEXARTS:
LexArts is a nonprofit community organization that works for the development of a strong and vibrant arts community as a means of enhancing the quality of life in central Kentucky. Through its annual Fund for the Arts, LexArts raises millions of dollars in support of local arts. In turn, LexArts underwrites the operating expenses for a variety of Partner Organizations, awards grants through its Community Arts Development and Professional Development programs, and offers affordable exhibition and performance space for arts organizations. Major support for LexArts programs and services is provided by the City of Lexington. The Kentucky Arts Council, the state’s official arts agency, provides operating support to LexArts with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.