By Tim Clarke
Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities
In 2018, a new bank came to the mountains as a result of the acquisition of First Mountain Bank by First Foundation Bank, founded in 2007. For the purpose of this article, we are referring to the Runnings Springs branch, which became good neighbors in no time at all. Like the old TV show Cheers, First Foundation Bank is a bank “where everyone knows your name.”
But the Rebuilding Together part of this story begins in 2021 when Marty Welch, a bank customer and Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities board member, took in some brochures and applications for Rebuilding Day to see if they would display them in the bank.
Marty talked to Teresa Weber and Francine Martin, and they agreed to do so as one of them knew of the work we did in the community. They wanted to give a grant of $250 but would have to send it to the corporate office for approval.
Now the story gets remarkable. Sylvia Figueroa, the director of Community Development for First Foundation Bank, looked things over and said they could afford to give us more. After a cordial brunch in Lake Arrowhead Village with four or five Rebuilding Together board members and Sylvia and two more of her staff, a big check was designated for $10,000 for the next year.
However, when the real check was opened, it was $20,000, representing a grant for two years. Needless to say, we were floored. We have since received two additional grants bringing the total to $35,000 – good neighbors indeed!
The bank has grown and is now in five states with 29 branches and we wish them continued success.
Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities is one of the smallest chapters of the national organization, Rebuilding Together Inc., but we have been servicing the mountain communities for 31 years – small but mighty. In the last couple of years, we have struggled with funding, as it has been down for most nonprofits. But, we have carried on in spite of this, primarily from the generosity of good neighbors.
Robert Frost once wrote, “Good fences make good neighbors.” Frost knew, of course, that fences only blind us from the trouble of our neighbors.
Thank God we have very few fences blinding our community and its needs. With the help of those like First Foundation Bank and others, we maintain mountain strong. Join us in the pledge to keep neighbors Safe, Warm and Dry.
Contact us to help or to receive help: RTMC, P.O. Box 3540, Blue Jay, CA 92317 – (909) 336-3910 – e-mail, info@rtmc.build.