Payson Roundup

National Bank of Arizona announced that instead of celebrating its 25 years as Arizona’s largest community bank with a self-congratulatory bash, the bank has decided to “pay it forward” by investing funds in the communities that have been vital to National Bank of Arizona’s success.

The program is known as 25 for 25.

National Bank of Arizona asked its 1,100 employees to collectively nominate 25 nonprofits throughout Arizona.

Each employee was allocated $25 by the bank to give to one of the 25 charities and the Gracie Lee Haught Children’s Memorial Fund is one of the beneficiaries.

The total amount distributed between the charities is $27,500.

Some organizations will receive more than others, and that’s what makes the program from the hearts of National Bank of Arizona employees, the bank said in a press release.

“Our commitment to the community extends well beyond our professional relationships.

“We have had 25 years of success and have our communities to thank for that,” said Keith Maio, president and CEO, National Bank of Arizona.

In addition to the financial gifts to 25 nonprofits statewide, National Bank of Arizona is working with the executive directors of many of the organizations to plan community service projects through the end of the year that tap into the skills and passion of the bank’s employees.

The nonprofits receiving financial gifts from National Bank of Arizona’s 25 for 25 initiative include: the Boys and Girls Club of Central Arizona, Verde Valley Sanctuary in Sedona, the Boys and Girls Club of Yuma, Kingman Regional Medical Center Foundation and the Gracie Lee Haught Children’s Memorial Fund in Payson.

The Gracie Lee Haught fund helps pay medical costs for children who are uninsured or under-insured in the Payson area.