Arvest Bank Spotlights
People Helping People “At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished… it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” – Denzel Washington That’s the sentiment that led to an Arkansas bank’s award-winning video series that has absolutely nothing to do with banking. Launched in August of 2016, the People Helping People campaign features individuals in communities Arvest serves, who are uniquely making a difference in the lives of others. The videos, which appear on Arvest’s blog and social media channels, offer a glimpse into the lives of some true hometown heroes. Of the 25 videos, 12 have featured Arkansans. “Arvest Bank’s mission statement is ‘People Helping People Find Financial Solutions for Life’ and we wanted to create a way to celebrate those individuals in our communities who were making a difference through selfless acts and projects,” said Jason Kincy, Senior Vice President and Marketing Director of Arvest Bank in Lowell. “These community people who were helping others and their stories aligned closely with our mission. The hope was to share these stories and to inspire others to think about how they
could be a person who made a difference in someone’s life.” From women who run a program for victims of sexual abuse and sex trafficking, to a blind woman putting together blessing bags for the homeless, to an animal rescue center – the stories are as diverse as the people behind them, but one theme rings throughout: people who saw a need in their community and decided to make a difference. “Giving back to our communities is the biggest part of real human success. It’s taking a part of yourself and offering it to your world. Loving each other feeds our souls and makes life better for everyone,” said Gable Sloan, a Fayetteville middleschooler who was featured in a People Helping People video in January of 2017. Inspired by the community-minded attitudes of her teachers and parents, Sloan began selling her baked goods to raise money for charities, and has started a college scholarship fund at her school. “Currently, I’m working with the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation and my community to raise $25,000 to invest in the needs of students struggling to find academic success because of things like homelessness and poverty,” Sloan said. “The future of my city depends upon
Production photos from the People Helping People video shoot of Steve Ebert, a volunteer cross country coach at Springdale’s Central Junior High School.
16
The Arkansas Banker | December 2017
the education of our young citizens. I’m a big fan of Malala Yousafzai, a youth activist for female education, and I, like her, believe promoting academic success for everyone ensures a bright and better tomorrow for our world.” A news story and some childhood memories were all it took to inspire Ron King, who was featured in the very first People Helping People video back in August of 2016 with his organization, Recycle Bikes for Kids in North Little Rock. “I have been on a number of mission trips and seen need in other countries but have also been aware of need right here in Arkansas,” King said. “When I saw a news item about kids being given repaired bikes it reminded me of my first bike, which was used, and how much it provided me in the way for freedom and independence. I felt that every kid should have that experience and knew how easy it would be to buy, repair and give away a few bikes.” King put his idea, and his skillset, to work for the community in a big way: Recycle Bikes for Kids is now in its ninth year, and has given away 14,000 bikes. Through leadership, volunteers, and donations, he hopes that the program remains sound
