First Bank Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President Anna Hollers presented a $12,860 check to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina as part of the annual revenue sharing agreement associated with the bank's exclusive Lumbee Tribe Visa credit and debit cards. The funds will be used for the Lumbee Tribe Youth Programs, which provide educational, cultural and extracurricular activities for Lumbee children throughout North Carolina.

The donation was presented to Tribal Chairmain Jimmy Goins at the First Bank branch in Pembroke.

"We very much appreciate First Bank's ongoing support and their willingness to invest in our children's future," said Chairman Goins. "I encourage every tribal member to stop by the bank and say thank you in person, and to pick up an application for First Bank's Lumbee card."

The partnership between First Bank and the Lumbee tribe began in 2006. For every purchase made using the Lumbee Tribe Visa credit and debit cards, the bank makes a cash donation that benefits the tribe's youth programs. Checks are presented to the tribe annually and, since 2006, First Bank's contribution to the tribe has nearly tripled.

"It's an honor to partner with the Lumbee tribe in this endeavor," said Mike Hardin, First Bank regional executive and senior vice president. "The Lumbee tribe is an integral part of our community and our state's noble heritage. We're proud to support the tribe's youth programs and to empower our community's young people."

Wanda Locklear, Lumbee Tribe director of youth programs, said that First Bank's donation funds help ensure the ongoing success of the Lumbee Boys & Girls Club of Pembroke. Activities include a "Money Matters" club that teaches children financial responsibility, a leadership group called the "Torch Club," anti-gang programs and trips to the nation's capital and other educational destinations.

"Without funding from community leaders like First Bank, many of our tribal members at the club would not have these opportunities," said Locklear.