FBB:
First Bank of Berne Donates Building
September 2, 2009
Berne,
IN - First Bank of Berne president, Charles Isch has announced that
First Bank of Berne is pleased to donate the downtown Berne Witness
Building and the Schindler Electric Building on Main Street to the Berne
Chapter Boys and Girls Club of Adams County. First Bank of Berne feels
very strongly that the Boys and Girls Club is a vital and necessary
non-profit organization to many individuals and the Berne community as a
whole.
The buildings were originally purchased by the bank in June of 2004 with the thought of housing a bank operations center at this location. Due to technology advancements in the banking industry, the size of the operations area at First Bank of Berne has decreased and there is no need for the extra space that once was needed. The local Boys and Girls Club had expressed an interest in the building a few years ago and there was some discussion about forming an agreement, but at that time the plans did not seem to work out. Then, recently they again showed some interest in the building and it was decided that the bank would donate the building to the Boys and Girls Club.
Michael Howell, executive director for the Boys and Girls Club of Adams county, said that the bank's donation makes a very clear statement about its belief in the lies and futures of the youth from Southern Adams County and their communities. "My hat is off to the First Bank of Berne Board of Directory and Charles Isch for their investment in the lives and futures of the youth from the area," Howell said. "This investment will reap benefits for years to come. For our club members and staff, it means having dedicated club areas for programming, the arts, a computer lab, game room, life skill classes, a teen room, and a place to have a meal each day."
For Christen Sprunger, the local club's unit director, the establishment of the new site has been something she has been dreaming of for the past five years. "This will allow us to take care of more kids," said Sprunger. "It will allow kids more opportunities and give them a sense of having their own place. We will be able to expand our programs and activities. The kids are thrilled about the idea," continued Sprunger, "They like the idea of having 'their facility.' Ownership is a huge thing for them. This is going to be 'their place.'"
Pictured Above - Gathering for the occasion were (from left): front row, Vicki Myers, Christen Sprunger, Dave Baumgartner, and Charles Isch; back row, Roger Muselman, Michael Howell, Russ Flueckiger, Kent Liechty, Toby Sprunger and Lee Flueckiger. (Photo by Teresa Flaugher)