The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) and the Texas Bankers Association (TBA) have raised $360,000 to support those directly impacted by the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde on May 24. The effort, run through the Texas Bankers Foundation, has concluded and all funds have been distributed to the Uvalde Together We Rise Fund in a check presentation at the First State Bank of Uvalde on Friday, October 7. This comes as the Uvalde Fund will no longer accept additional donations following October 19 and will shift their efforts to distribution.
IBAT President and CEO Christopher Williston, VI, said, “We continue to think of the families affected by this tragedy and the immeasurable grief with which they are living. 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.”
TBA CEO and President Chris Furlow said, “With more than 200 donors to the fund from community banks, individual bankers as well as banking groups, community stakeholders and organizations from across the nation, we are proud of what the Foundation has been able to gather for the good people of Uvalde. We know there is no amount of money that can remove the hurt, but we hope these funds can bring those most affected some hope. Especially knowing that so many good people in Texas and around the country have rallied to the call.”
The final check presentation was attended by First State Bank of Uvalde CEO Chad Stary, IBAT CEO Christopher Williston, VI, IBAT Director of Membership Curt Nelson, TBA CEO Chris Furlow and TBA Foundation Director Jocelyn Carby.
Anyone still interested in donating to help this community should direct their efforts to the Uvalde Together We Rise – National Compassion Fund.
