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 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

enough to continue providing bikes to kids as long as there is a need. “My advice to anyone wanting to make a difference is to do it from your heart. Don’t go into it with an overly complicated plan. Start small and let it grow. You will make mistakes but don’t let that stop you,” King said. Sloan, King, and other subjects of the People Helping People series were nominated by local Arvest bankers; nominees then go through a vetting and selection process before being profiled. “Our associates are also very involved in charities and organizations, making them aware of local individuals who are making a difference,” said Kincy. “In the future we plan to open the series up to customers and other individuals to make nominations. We believe this will generate even more diverse and compelling stories.” When a new video is released, Arvest often holds a launch party or appreciation event at the subject’s local branch, bringing ownership to both branch employees and the community. “When a new video is released, associates and customers in that community are very proud of the story. Arvest associates are already very generous with their time Professionals’ MarCom Awards. Arvest won a Platinum Award for its overall People Helping People series and a Gold Award for its video featuring Steve Ebert, a volunteer cross country coach for Central Junior High School in Springdale, Ark. The bank also received an honorable mention for its video featuring Marshal Grissom, head coach of the Caney Valley High School Bass Club in Ramona, Okla. The People Helping People videos resonate because they are local, they are uplifting, and they tell the stories of good people doing good things for their communities – something that, according to Jim Cargill, President and CEO of Arvest Bank in Little Rock, is nothing new to community bankers. “Being a hometown banker isn’t just about where we are located, it is about being invested in our community. We have Arvest branches all across central Arkansas but, more importantly, our associates are involved as leaders with numerous organizations and different causes throughout the areas we serve,” Cargill said. “We focus on providing the best financial guidance and service we can each day for our customers, but we also truly care about them. That’s the difference that leads to building successful communities, and Arvest is proud to be a part of that.” spent working in the community, but this video series has been a great example that they are not alone in their desire to help others,” said Kincy. With more than 400,000 total views, the video series has clearly resonated with the communities across Arvest’s footprint. People Helping People also garnered national recognition in November, when it was honored by the Association of Marketing and Communications

The production crew with Louise Allison, who provides a safe place for survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking in Arkansas. Production photos from the People Helping People video shoot featuring The Van, which serves homeless individuals in the Little Rock metro area.

Click here to view the

People Helping People video series!