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First State Community Bank Holiday Classic Celebrates 30 Years of Giving
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Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 20:14 GMT by KFVS12- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
First State Community Bank Holiday Classic Celebrates 30 Years of Giving
For three decades, the First State Community Bank Holiday Classic has become a fixture on the calendars of Kermit‑Valley residents and a symbol of community generosity. The 2025 event, held on December 6, marked the 30th anniversary of a tradition that began in 1995, and the article on KFVS‑12 highlights the event’s history, impact, and future plans. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key points covered in the original story, including additional context gleaned from the links embedded in the report.
A Quick Snapshot of the Holiday Classic
- Event Date & Venue – December 6, 2025, at the First State Community Bank headquarters and the surrounding park.
- Purpose – A holiday‑themed fundraiser featuring live music, silent auction, craft stalls, and a kids’ activity zone. Proceeds go to local charities such as the Kermit‑Valley Food Bank, the Kermit‑Valley Health Foundation, and the Veterans Outreach Program.
- Attendance – Roughly 2,500 people attended, a noticeable uptick from the 1,800‑plus attendees in previous years.
- Funds Raised – Total sales for the night were $52,000, with the silent auction alone pulling in $30,000.
The article points readers to the bank’s website (linked as “First State Community Bank”) for a deeper dive into the institution’s community initiatives and a downloadable PDF of the bank’s annual charitable report.
The Story of the First 30 Years
Origins
The Holiday Classic was conceived by First State Community Bank’s CEO, Laura Simmons, as a way to give back to the region that had supported the bank’s growth for over 35 years. “We wanted a simple, festive event that could bring people together and provide relief to those in need,” Simmons said. The first edition in 1995 was a modest gathering in the bank’s parking lot, featuring a hot‑dog stand, a holiday movie, and a small raffle.
Growth Over Time
As the bank expanded—opening a second branch in 2005 and launching an online banking platform in 2012—so too did the event. By 2008, the Classic had moved to a larger venue and added a live band. The 2015 edition was highlighted by a “Santa’s Workshop” for children, and in 2019 the bank introduced a “Green Gift” program encouraging eco‑friendly donations.
The article references a link to a historical timeline on the bank’s site, showing key milestones such as:
- 1995: First Holiday Classic
- 2003: Introduction of the “Community Heroes” award
- 2010: Partnership with the Kermit‑Valley Cancer Center
- 2015: First use of a silent auction platform
The 2025 Edition: Highlights and Innovations
Community‑Driven Themes
This year’s Classic ran under the theme “Light Up the Holidays,” with a special emphasis on lighting up community homes that needed repairs. A team of volunteers painted holiday lights on a group of volunteer homes, and attendees could “buy a light” with their donations.
Live Entertainment
The event featured a quartet from the local university’s music program, a choir performing Christmas carols, and a “Kids’ Choir” led by kindergarten teachers. A local jazz saxophonist, Mike Delgado, closed the evening with a rendition of “Silent Night.”
Silent Auction & Craft Stalls
The silent auction was the most lucrative element of the night, featuring items such as a private dinner with a local celebrity chef, a weekend getaway at a regional bed‑and‑breakfast, and an “All‑Inclusive Holiday Experience” at the bank’s own holiday resort.
Technology Integration
A new feature for 2025 was the “Mobile Bid” app, which allowed attendees to place silent auction bids from their phones. The article linked to a tutorial video hosted on the bank’s YouTube channel, explaining how the app works and how it increases participation.
Impact on the Community
Financial Contributions
Across 30 years, the Holiday Classic has raised more than $1.6 million for local causes. The 2025 proceeds were earmarked as follows:
- Kermit‑Valley Food Bank: $20,000
- Kermit‑Valley Health Foundation: $12,000
- Veterans Outreach Program: $10,000
- Kermit‑Valley Arts & Culture Center: $5,000
- Other local nonprofits: $5,000
The article included a link to a “Charity Impact” page, which breaks down the percentage of funds each partner received annually.
Volunteer Participation
Over the decades, more than 1,200 volunteers have helped organize and run the Classic. In 2025, the volunteer count reached 250, including community leaders, teachers, and high‑school students. A side panel in the article highlighted a volunteer testimonial: “It’s the most exciting holiday event of the year—there’s no better way to give back.”
Looking Forward: Plans for 2026 and Beyond
Expansion of the Silent Auction
First State Community Bank plans to expand the silent auction in 2026, adding luxury items such as a private tour of the state capitol and a weekend at a ski resort. According to the article, the bank hopes to raise an additional $15,000 that year.
Youth Engagement
The bank is also partnering with the Kermit‑Valley School District to launch a “Future Leaders” scholarship fund, funded by a portion of the Classic’s proceeds. A link in the story directs readers to a scholarship application page.
Sustainability Focus
Finally, the bank has pledged to make the Classic a carbon‑neutral event starting in 2027. This includes offsetting carbon emissions from transportation, using biodegradable tableware, and partnering with a local farm for zero‑waste catering.
How to Get Involved
- Volunteer: The bank’s volunteer portal (linked in the article) allows individuals to sign up for roles such as setup, ticketing, or donation desk.
- Donate: The silent auction can be browsed online before the event; all bids are processed through a secure portal linked from the Classic’s event page.
- Purchase Tickets: Tickets for the live music and kids’ activities are available on the bank’s website. A link to “Event Tickets” is embedded in the article for quick access.
Final Thoughts
The article on KFVS‑12 paints a vivid portrait of the First State Community Bank Holiday Classic’s enduring legacy. Over 30 years, the event has become more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of community spirit, generosity, and shared holiday joy. By weaving together music, auctions, and volunteerism, the Classic has not only raised significant funds for local charities but also strengthened the bonds that make Kermit‑Valley a uniquely supportive community.
As the event approaches its 31st edition, the bank’s leadership remains committed to expanding its reach and impact, ensuring that the Holiday Classic continues to “light up” the lives of those in need for many more years to come.
Read the Full KFVS12 Article at:
[ https://www.kfvs12.com/2025/12/06/first-state-community-bank-holiday-classic-marks-30-years/ ]
