First Bank and the First Bank Charitable Foundation have stepped up in the fight against pediatric cancer and neurological disease, presenting a $10,000 contribution to the Hope for Children Research Foundation.
The funds were officially presented on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Hapgoods restaurant in Mountain Lakes. The financial support is split into two impactful parts: a $6,000 Silver Sponsorship for the Foundation’s upcoming annual golf outing on Oct. 12, and a $4,000 direct donation from the First Bank Charitable Foundation dedicated entirely to ongoing medical research and development.
For over 40 years, the Hope for Children Research Foundation has united donors, medical professionals, volunteers, and business leaders to advance pediatric research and improve medical outcomes for children facing severe illnesses.
“This generous contribution from First Bank supports our mission in two incredibly meaningful ways,” Michelle Oates, president of the Hope for Children Research Foundation said. “Their support of our golf outing helps make one of our important fundraising events possible, while their additional donation goes directly toward the research that is at the heart of what we do.”
The presentation drew key leadership from both organizations. Representing First Bank were Senior Vice President and Market Executive Anthony DeSenzo, First Vice President and Market Manager Michael Kahn, and First Vice President/Commercial Banking Consultant Joseph F. Stefans.
DeSenzo, who also serves as an Advisory Board member for the Foundation, noted that he has witnessed the organization’s impact firsthand.
“The First Bank Charitable Foundation is proud to support the critical mission of the Hope for Children Research Foundation,” DeSenzo said. “As an Advisory Board member, I can foster collaboration between the Hope for Children Research Foundation and my professional network. Together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone.”
Bart Oates, Co-Chairman of the Foundation and a three-time Super Bowl champion, emphasized the broader community value of corporate partnerships like First Bank’s.
“Events like our golf outing are about much more than a day on the course,” Oates said. “They bring people together around a common purpose. First Bank’s support demonstrates what can happen when a business chooses to get involved and help us keep pushing toward better treatments and better outcomes for children.”
Salvatore Frassetto, Co-chairman of the Executive Board of Advisors, echoed those sentiments, highlighting that the bank’s investment extends far past a single fundraiser.
“First Bank isn’t simply supporting an event,” Frassetto said. “They’re supporting the work that happens long after the event is over—the research, the people behind it and ultimately the children and families who are counting on progress.”
