The My Fair Share program is an annual initiative at Commerce Bank of Wyoming, empowering employees to nominate deserving community organizations for monetary donations. This unique program allows employees to select which nominated organization they would like to support throughout the year by pledging a percentage of their pay. This program has been in existence since 2004, and it has helped several organizations through the years. This year, we are proud to announce the recipients of the 2023 My Fair Share Program.
The seven organizations that will be receiving donations from the employees' contributions are Hospice of Sweetwater County, Bridge of Hope, Fur Animal Rescue, North Platte Habitat for Humanity, Deborah’s Legacy, McKenna’s Rae of Hope, and Kearney Animal Shelter. The total amount that will be awarded to these organizations across all Branches is $16,493.00. This amount is just a small part of the over $216,500 that has been donated since the program's inception in 2004.
“Hospice of Sweetwater County is an amazing group of very special people that not only help the patient – they care about the families. Personally, I don’t know how they do it. It takes very special people to be able to handle these situations. When I lost my dad and then my husband a few years later, they would come whenever I needed them – day or night.
If you have a question they will give you the answer. For instance, your loved one is ‘acting’ weird or their breathing has changed, they explain to you what that usually means and what to expect, any questions about medications, or suggestions on how to make your loved one as comfortable as possible.
It’s been my experience that they will tell you to get away for a little bit while they stay with your loved one. Can you imagine doing this type of care day in and day out? This is why I donate to Hospice of Sweetwater County!”
Peggy Santillanes, Senior Teller, Rock Springs
Hospice of Sweetwater County is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering support and care for an individual’s needs during the end of life process in Sweetwater County Wyoming. Their goal is to improve the quality of life for those in their care by addressing their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Hospice of Sweetwater County treats the patient and family as a whole and provides comfort and support for the patient and caregivers.
“I nominated the Bridge of Hope, Child Advocacy Center because of the vital role that they play in helping so many children to heal and work through their unfortunate trauma. I had known of the Bridge of Hope from my days working in the 911 center, but when my sister began working there, I was made so much more aware of just how much they do and the impact that it makes! They aren’t always recognized for all of the work they put in, but it takes a huge heart to do what they do and I feel that our community is indebted to them for the love and care they provide to children.”
Shelby Crowell, Loan Service Specialist, North Platte
Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center is a local non-profit organization in North Platte. Bridge of Hope coordinates a team response to allegations of child abuse and neglect in a safe and child-focused setting. Their mission is to ensure that suspected victims of child abuse are not re-victimized by the system designed to protect them.
“I nominated Fur Animal Rescue because their cause is very near to my heart. Being a part of helping abandoned, injured or sick animals is challenging, but so rewarding. Making a difference in the life of an animal is the best part of my week. They ask for so little, and give you so much love in return.”
Kris Pearson, Loan Processor North Platte, Fur Animal Rescue Volunteer
Fur Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization that is licensed by the state. They are dedicated to finding loving homes for animals at the North Platte Animal Shelter. They do that by evaluating the dogs and cats at the shelter, providing them with information tags for their kennels. They work to capture their personalities through pictures and videos to help them find their forever homes through online networking. In addition, they assist in connecting potential adopters with pets in need, ensuring that the perfect match is made. When they step in to help a rescued animal, they provide veterinary care, foster homes, and all the necessary assistance to help them find new homes. Their focus is on animals that are injured, ill, or struggling to acclimate in the shelter environment.
“I nominated North Platte Area Habitat for Humanity (NPAHFH) for the My Fair Share program because I support their goal of providing affordable housing to low income families who would otherwise be unable to attain it. As a result, these families are able to achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. NPAHFH constantly strives to improve the North Platte Community and will put the My Fair Share donations to good use. “
Russell Tappy, Assistant Vice President Commercial Credit Analyst, Kearney, former North Platte Area Habitat for Humanity volunteer
North Platte Habitat for Humanity is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. The organization assists low-income families in building affordable homes, promoting self-reliance, and home ownership. Habitat for Humanity believes that everyone everywhere should have a healthy, affordable place to call home.
“I nominated Deborah’s Legacy because of the important work that is done in women’s lives every day. Deborah’s Legacy is a faith based program for women to have a safe haven to heal from their past and the decisions that were made in desperation of survival. They work to help women know their worth, to love themselves and feel important in society so that they may lead a full life knowing God is there for them.”
Jennifer Schurr, Vice President Loan Services North Platte, Deborah’s Legacy Volunteer
Deborah’s Legacy is a non-profit organization in North Platte dedicated to helping women overcome addiction, homelessness, and crisis living. Their mission is to provide a sanctuary for these women, offering support and resources to help them rebuild their lives.
“McKenna’s Rae of Hope was chosen for My Fair Share because they provide a much needed resource in Kearney and the surrounding area for people and families dealing with suicide in our community by fostering awareness, resilience, promoting kindness and social change. They provide resources to help recognize signs of mental illness and provide help for our students and community members struggling with this illness.”
Carol Pelster, Vice President Kearney Branch Manager
McKenna's Rae of Hope is a non-profit organization based in Kearney. They are dedicated to making changes in the hopes of creating a more positive and healthy community. The mission of McKenna’s Rae of Hope Foundation is to prevent suicide by fostering awareness, resilience and social change.
“I nominated the Kearney Area Animal Shelter because of the work they do in the Kearney community. The shelter takes in as many dogs and cats as they possibly can and provide love, medical treatments and genuine care for the animals in the shelter. Seeing the dogs or cats that have been mistreated or abandoned that are taken in is heartbreaking, but seeing their transformations and finding that loving forever home is why I am involved in making the shelter a success.”
Alexandria McGinley Mortgage Loan Officer Kearney, Kearney Area Animal Shelter Volunteer
Kearney Animal Shelter is a non-profit organization that cares for stray and abandoned pets in Kearney. Their mission is to be a leader in enhancing the human-animal bond by providing pet owner support and homeless animal care for the citizens of Buffalo County and the surrounding region.
Mike Jacobson, President and CEO of Commerce Bank of Wyoming, expressed his pride in the program and its impact on the community. "You see our staff all the time out in the community doing volunteer work, but My Fair Share is a program where they are actually donating from their paychecks to these programs. They not only donate their time, they donate their own dollars."
The My Fair Share program is a testament to the Bank's commitment to helping the community. It provides our employees with an opportunity to support organizations that do good work, and it contributes to the realization of the Bank's vision of building better communities. Our teams’ generosity has a ripple effect on the lives of the people who benefit from the programs and services of the recipient organizations. It is incredible to see the total amount of donations since the program's inception and the many lives that have been positively impacted.
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2023 My Fair Share Program. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all bank employees for their generosity and community spirit. Let us all continue to support local organizations working to make our community a better place.