Thanks to the success of the inaugural Operation Red, White and Brave (ORWB) Gala in June, more projects will be funded to assist veterans, active military and their families.

“Our first gala was a tremendous success thanks to our sponsors, wonderful speakers and dedicated team,” said Rebecca Barnard, board chairman of the ORWB Foundation. “We were able to raise more than $20,000. It was a memorable evening.”

First Service Bank, which created ORWB in 2019, served as the Presenting Sponsor for the gala. As part of its ongoing commitment, FSB will match every dollar raised at the gala, doubling the impact and empowering the foundation to fulfill its mission of assisting veterans, active military and their families.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors, guests and First Service Bank volunteers who made the event a resounding success,” said Rebecca. “Your support and presence at the gala played an instrumental role in its remarkable achievements. Thank you for joining us in our mission.”

During the first half of 2023, Operation Red, White and Brave has poured over $20,000 into projects to help veterans and their families, and more are planned in the months ahead. The projects have ranged from constructing wheelchair ramps at the homes of veterans to placing flagpoles at the homes of families who lost a loved one while in service. Another project helped a Clinton area veteran with improvements to his home.

In late June, First Service bankers and the ORWB Foundation teamed up again to install two flag poles in the yards of Gold Star Families. In July, the First Service crew worked with the foundation to build another wheelchair ramp for a veteran. 

“We are excited about the projects we have been able to undertake this year,” said Rebecca. “When you donate to our foundation, 100 percent goes back to helping veterans. Your donation and the First Service Bank match make more projects possible.”

The ORWB Foundation has implemented an online nomination form to collect requests to help individuals who have a special need or a special wish requiring financial or physical assistance. (Visit https://firstservicebank.com/orwb to access the form.)

“It is an honor to help the men and women who have served our country to protect the freedoms we hold so dearly,” said Rebecca.

To nominate a veteran, make a donation or learn more, visit www.ORWB.org.