April 25, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2013
For more information,
Contact: Scott Bird
Moxley Carmichael
(865) 544-0088
[email protected]
[title]
Bank donates $2,500 to Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Thomas’ name
Home Federal Bank Executive Vice President Debra Smith (from left) and President Dale Keasling name Benjamin Thomas Jr. a 2013 Hometown Hero at a ceremony at the bank’s Oak Ridge branch April 25. Thomas designated his $2,500 award to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, and Pastor Tommy Mims (right) accepted the funds on behalf of the organization.
Home Federal Bank named Benjamin Thomas Jr. a 2013 Hometown Hero and presented a check for $2,500 in his name to Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church at a ceremony at Home Federal Bank’s Oak Ridge branch on Thursday, April 25.
Now in its third year, the Hometown Heroes program spotlights ordinary people who do extraordinary things for others and their community. The public submitted dozens of nominations and ten winners were selected for their extraordinary volunteer work.
A $2,500 donation is made in each honoree’s name to the nonprofit of his or her choice, and an overall winner of the ten finalists will have an additional $2,500 donation made in his or her name.
“There are so many great people that selflessly do an incredible amount of good for our community and never get the credit they deserve,” said Home Federal Bank President Dale Keasling. “People like Benjamin Thomas, whose selfless service has made a positive impact on the youth in Oak Ridge, exemplify what it means to be a Hometown Hero.”
Thomas, known to many as Deacon Ben, serves as a role model for volunteers and students alike in Oak Ridge.
Twenty years ago, he started a program called the Monday Evening Study Session at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Oak Ridge. Through this weekly tutorial program, Thomas helps build character in area youth and inspire them to strive toward academic excellence.
Available to students in pre-school through high school, the program offers tutoring, guest speakers, awards and even workshops for parents to help students reach their full potential.
“We are happy to honor these Hometown Heroes,” said Keasling. “And we are pleased to support these programs that do such great things for our neighbors throughout the year.”
Pastor Tommy Mims accepted the donation to support the Monday Evening Study Session on behalf of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
About Home Federal Bank
Home Federal Bank is a locally-owned, full-service bank serving East Tennesseans through branches in Knox, Anderson, Blount and Sevier counties. For more information, visit http://www.homefederalbanktn.com.
