SIXTH ANNUAL SCHOOL SUPPORT DRIVE GREAT SUCCESS!
Three Counties - Nineteen Schools – Over $14,350 in Cash Support Donated

            The school support drive recently held by The First National Bank in Trinidad and its branch locations was, once again, an overwhelming success! The twenty-sixth annual donation drive brought in a total of $11,350 in cash donations, and $3,000 was matched by First National. The $14,350 was distributed to nineteen schools in Las Animas, Huerfano and Colfax Counties. The school list included Holy Trinity Academy, Grace Christian, Hoehne, Primero, Kim, Branson, Aguilar, Fisher’s Peak Elementary, G.O.A.L. Academy in Trinidad, Trinidad Middle School and Trinidad High School, Peakview School, Walsenburg High School, G.O.A.L. Academy in Walsenburg, LaVeta School District, Gardner Charter School, Longfellow Elementary, Raton Intermediate School and Raton High School. Each school received a percentage of the donations in their corresponding counties based upon enrollment numbers; the schools will then provide assistance to the students who have a need.

For the sixth year in a row, the Loan Production Office in Raton combined forces with Zia Youth in their school supply drive to maximize funds to get the children of Raton the supplies they need to have a successful year.

            “We received many positive comments and notes of appreciation,” says Bank President, Daryl Aubuchon. “It’s a project we do to help the schools and children in the area, and it’s been very successful. The generosity shown by area businesses, organizations, and individuals has made this project a rewarding one for all involved.” A special ‘thank you’ was extended by the Bank to Trinidad donors: UMWA Local 6126, Robert Arko, Jack and Georganne Vallejos, J.P. Slanovich, Joseph Febbraro, Phyllis Griego, Adkisson Family Associates LLC, Ed Romero, Phyllis A. Trujillo, Comi Funeral Home, Keith and Jan Maberry, Henry and Janine Solano, Joseph Abeyta, Leone Sand & Gravel, Bradley and Julie Hagan, Arthur and Katherine Nicolai, Maryanne Kaessner, Elberta Ferrendelli, Maniscalco Bros. & Sons, Inc., Grace Slanovich, Col. Lou and Mrs. Jo Ann Simpleman, Christopher L. Simpleman, Earl Nesbit, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Dixon, Mr. and Mrs. Greg Harder, Phillips Broadcasting (KCRT Radio), Claude B. Aragon and Keely Aragon-Horton, Devon Arguello, Joe Micheli, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Confederacion Mutualista Mexicana E Hispano-Americana, Linda’s Laundry, JD Partners Ranch, Rotary Club District #5470, Trinidad Area Health Assoc. (Mt. San Rafael Hospital), Stephen and Karyn Paulman, Santina Frank, Trinidad Area Retired School Employees Assoc., Annette Halbersleben, J. Bryan and Brenda Findley, Patricia Guner, Joe and Louise Terry, Robert and Carmela Skalko, San Isabel Electric Association, Sue Bates, Isaac Abeyta, Brenda Gerardo, Sarah Manshel Limited, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Perry, Adele and Michael Montoya, Doris Blalock, J. N. Jordan and S. R. Gryczan and many anonymous donors.

Walsenburg donors included: San Isabel Electric Association, Huerfano County Hospital District, Patrick Mcloughlin, Larrylee and Sandra Martinez, John and Renee Albright, Barnett Pump Service, Andreatta Well Service, LLC, JD Partners, Gub Gubs, Walsenburg Lumber, Angela Geiser, Cuchara Valley Mini Storage, LLC, Heath Andreatta Excavation, LLC, Charlie’s Market, All Seasons Excavation, Scott Delong, Elecive Mellott along with anonymous donors.

In Raton, donors included: Linda Headley and Jeffrey McLean, Park Avenue Insurance, North East Title, Inc., and K-Bob’s Steakhouse – Nick and Gina Gallegos.

Marcie Valdez organized the project in Trinidad, and Dina Medina organized the project at the Huerfano County Branch. She was assisted by Huerfano County Branch bank employees Desaray Martinez, Sara Porras, Candelaria Silva, Isabela Urdiales and Matthew Burch. In Raton, First National Loan Production Office President, Diana Sanchez, organized the project.

First National Loan Production Office President, Diana Sanchez, presented a check for $2,000 to Zia Youth Assistant Director, Jeff McLean, and Executive Director, Linda Headley. The Loan Production Office added $1,000 to the $1,000 in community donations received. Pictured (L to R) are Jeff McLean, Linda Headley and Diana Sanchez.

Staff members with GOAL Academy in Trinidad were happy to accept a check for their portion of the $6,950 in donations received in support of eleven schools in Las Animas County, which included $1,000 in matching funds from The First National Bank in Trinidad. Pictured left to right are GOAL Academy Assistance Principal, Marcie Knezel, with student coaches Nohelle Morales, Tamara Beard, Tara Pfalmer, Tamara Samora, Regina Barron and Jennifer Williams.

Bank employees, (left to right) Desaray Martinez, Sara Porras, Candelaria Silva, Isabela Urdiales and Matthew Burch collected $4,408 in donations at The Huerfano County Branch. The Bank matched $1,000, for a total of $5,408 in funds distributed to Huerfano County schools.