FirstBank Surprising Phoenix Residents With Free Fuel To Inspire Giving for Arizona Gives Day

Phoenix, Arizona, March 28, 2018 -- FirstBank, the premier sponsor of Arizona Gives Day, is pumping $3,000 worth of free gas to unexpected Phoenix drivers on Wednesday, March 28. The company will surprise commuters at an undisclosed location, while encouraging lucky recipients to “Give it Forward” to a charity of their choice on Arizona Gives Day (Tuesday, April 3).

FirstBank employees pump free fuel to encourage residents to "Give it Forward" to a charity they care about on Arizona Gives Day (April 3, 2018).

FirstBank hopes this act of kindness inspires individuals to give back to causes in their communities on Arizona Gives Day, a 24-hour online giving movement that supports more than 1,000 nonprofits. The bank wants to remind people that giving even a small amount can help an organization go the distance. 

“Providing a person $30 in fuel allows them to drive hundreds of miles, and we want people to view nonprofit donations in the same manner – a little can go a long way. For instance, one dollar to a food bank can feed four people,” said Bryce Lloyd, Phoenix Market President of FirstBank. “Anyone can be a philanthropist, and we’re hopeful this gesture will urge more individuals to ‘give it forward’ next Tuesday to a nonprofit cause, even if it’s just a few bucks.”

This is the second year FirstBank has done its “Give it Forward” campaign to encourage donations for Arizona Gives Day. In 2017, FirstBank presidents disguised themselves as grocery store baggers and surprised unsuspecting shoppers with free groceries.

“This campaign not only allows us to put a smile on someone’s face; it helps us reach new donors and spread the word about Arizona Gives Day in a fun, memorable way,” said Joel Johnson, East Valley Market President of FirstBank. “Over $2.7 million was raised last year for participating nonprofits. This reflected the incredible generosity of Arizonans, and we’re hoping this next ‘Give It Forward’ event will inspire a little more generosity on April 3.”

Arizona Gives Day, which is hosted by the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and Arizona Grantmakers Forum, has raised more than $10.14 million for local nonprofits since 2013.

Participants can go to www.azgives.org/giveitforward to learn more, donate the day-of (April 3), or schedule gifts in advance. Beneficiaries include a wide range of nonprofits, including: arts and culture, children and youth, community development, health services, animal welfare and more. FirstBank has been a primary corporate sponsor of Arizona Gives Day since its inception.                      

About FirstBank

FirstBank, the nation’s third largest privately held bank, operates more than 115 locations in Arizona, Colorado and California, serving over 750,000 customers. The bank offers a variety of checking and savings accounts, mortgages, home equity loans and a full range of commercial loans and business accounts and services. Since 2000, the company has been recognized as a top corporate philanthropist, contributing more than $60 million and thousands of volunteer hours to charitable organizations. FirstBank is also unique in that a majority of its stock is owned by management and employees. For more information, go to www.efirstbank.com.

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Chandra Brin
FirstBank
303-235-1402
[email protected]

Josh Weiss
10 to 1 Public Relations
480-789-0743
[email protected]

Laura Slawny
10 to 1 Public Relations
480-868-9423
[email protected]