MBA Members Raise More Than $74,250 For Segs4Vets
Donations from MBA campaign since 2009 surpass $622,000
MBA presented a check for $73,280 to Segs4Vets during its Executive Management Conference in Kansas City. Donations received after the check presentation exceeded $74,250. Pictured are (back row, left to right) MBA Chairman Shaun Burke with Guaranty Bank in Springfield, retired Lt. Col. Al Kisler with Segs4Vets, Vince Cain with Segs4Vets, Scott Nelson with Macon-Atlanta State Bank, Segs4Vets President and Co-founder Jerry Kerr, Max Cook with the Missouri Bankers Association, Tammy Kelley with Table Rock Community Bank in Kimberling City and Jason Whitesell with Old Missouri Bank in Springfield.
At its 2009 Executive Management Conference in St. Louis, the Missouri Bankers Association presented its first donation to Segs4Vets — $23,000.
This year’s donation was more than three times the amount from that first fundraising campaign.
MBA and its members donated more than $74,250 to Segs4Vets on Thursday, Dec. 6, during the 2018 Executive Management Conference in Kansas City.
“MBA and its members have generously supported Segs4Vets since 2009, and 2018 was no exception” said Max Cook, MBA president and CEO. “I am continually amazed and humbled by the tremendous support of the banking community for our veterans.”
Launched in 2005,
Segs4Vets is a volunteer grassroots program that provides Segway mobile transporters and Ally chairs to help severely injured veterans. MBA adopted Segs4Vets as its designated charity in 2009.
2018 marked MBA’s 10th annual Segs4Vets fundraising campaign. Since then, MBA and its members have donated more than $622,000 to Segs4Vets.
For the last three years, money raised through The Heroes Cup golf tournament has supported MBA’s Segs4Vets campaign. The golf tournament is coordinated by MBA Young Bankers in Region 6.
Proceeds from the 2018 Heroes Cup totaled $13,818. Since 2016, The Heroes Cup has donated more than $32,500 to MBA’s Segs4Vets fundraising campaign. Jason Whitesell at Old Missouri Bank in Springfield and Tammy Kelley at Table Rock Community Bank in Kimberling City have spearheaded The Heroes Cup since its inaugural tournament in 2016.
“Jason and Tammy have created a terrific event that brings together bankers to support Segs4Vets’ mission to help our veterans,” Cook said. “They have already begun planning the 2019 Heroes Cup that will be held Monday, Sept. 23, in Springfield.”
The donations from The Heroes Cup and the banking community given to Segs4Vets provide Segway mobile transporters and Ally chairs to help veterans choose the path of independence and remain productive members of society.
The cost to provide a Segway is nearly $10,000. The cost for an Ally chair, a modified Segway chair, is $15,000. For every $1 donated, 98 cents supports Segs4Vets’ mission — empowering injured soldiers to live independently.
The $74,250 donation from the banking community will provide seven Segways for veterans who seek mobility and independence.
“When men and women serving our nation suffer serious injury and permanent disability, they must have resources and tools that help them live independently and contribute to society,” said Jerry Kerr, president and co-founder of Segs4Vets. “Segs4Vets empowers these men and women, giving them a new outlook on life.”
For the past few years, MBA has set a fundraising goal for Segs4Vets. Although MBA fell short of its $75,000 goal this year, support for veterans remains steadfast and strong in the banking community.
“Thanks to our members, we have made a significant difference in the lives of many veterans throughout our nation,” Cook said. “I am proud of our banking community and our commitment to support the men and women who make sacrifices to support our freedoms.”
Donate To MBA's 2018 Segs4Vets Campaign
Contact Rachael Preston at MBA if you would like to donate to MBA's 21018 Segs4Vets campaign.