Significant contribution from the Auen Foundation elevates the online philanthropic event
FirstBank, one of the nation’s largest privately held banks with a focus on “banking for good,” announced the Coachella Valley Giving Day (CV Giving Day) incentive prize pool has grown to $130,000 for participating nonprofits, thanks to a recent $30,000 contribution from the Auen Foundation.
FirstBank, the Desert Community Foundation (DCF), the Regional Access Project Foundation (RAP), Amazon, and the Auen Foundation have contributed to the incentive fund to increase nonprofit support. The incentive pool will offer cash prizes ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to participating nonprofits across several categories. More information about the prize categories can be found at CVGivingDay.org/prizes.
In addition, FirstBank is surprising Coachella Valley residents with a series of unexpected freebies, encouraging lucky recipients to “Give it Forward” to their favorite cause for CV Giving Day. Details –including exact dates and times of surprise events — will be provided upon request from the media.
- FirstBank employees will go undercover at Animal Samaritans to waive pet adoption fees.
- FirstBank will cover admission at Palm Springs Air Museum in honor of veterans.
- FirstBank will collaborate with Desert Recreation District to distribute 100 soccer balls to young athletes on March 2.
“We are proud to see the generosity of our local community and foundation partners, as demonstrated by the recent contribution from the Auen Foundation,” said Jake Wuest, FirstBank California Market President. “We hope to further motivate Coachella Valley residents to support their favorite nonprofits during CV Giving Day,”
The early giving period for CV Giving Day started on February 5, 2024. Registration for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations is open through February 20, 2024. To learn more, register, or donate, please visit CVGivingDay.org.
About FirstBank
FirstBank began providing banking services in 1963. Today, it’s known as an industry leader in digital banking. It has grown to be one of the largest privately held banks in the United States, maintaining more than $28 billion in assets and 100 branch locations across California, Colorado, and Arizona. FirstBank offers a variety of consumer deposit accounts, home equity loans, mortgages, rental property loans, and a full range of commercial banking services, including business financing, commercial real estate loans, treasury management, and more. Since 2000, FirstBank has been recognized as a top corporate philanthropist, contributing more than $85 million and thousands of volunteer hours to charitable organizations. The company is also unique in that a large portion of its stock is owned by management and employees, giving employees a financial stake in the bank’s success through its Employee Stock Ownership Program. For more information, visit www.efirstbank.com.
About Desert Community Foundation
Desert Community Foundation is a public charity organization that has been serving the communities of the Coachella Valley since 1999. DCF works to address the core concerns and needs of the region including access to higher education, youth development, housing, health care, animal welfare, and the arts and culture—which are critical to our quality of life. DCF manages multiple charitable funds and stewards more than $115 million in assets. Through its partnerships with local donors, nonprofits, and community members, DCF is dedicated to the promise of creating a strong and prosperous future for the region. For more information, visit https://www.desertfoundation.org/.
