River Valley Bank is taking a new approach to investing in Merrill. During a Ladies Night event Thursday, River Valley unveiled its new Merrill Makeover program.
River Valley Bank is shifting its charitable giving and advertising budget to put more money back into the community.
The first annual Merrill Makeover aims to improve the lives and homes of deserving Merrill area residents, identified by the community as being in need of assistance.
The program will provide assistance with needed home upgrades such as roofs, furnaces or windows.
Candidates are encouraged to submit an application to River Valley Bank outlining the repairs needed to their homes. A panel of community members will be assembled to select up to 10 finalists and the community will vote for their favorites on the River Valley Bank website. For those without internet access, other means of voting will be available. Those who garner the most votes will receive the repairs to their homes.
The improvements that can be done will depend on the amount of money and materials raised.
River Valley Bank is going to go forward with the program regardless, but the involvement of other Merrill businesses and benefactors will help them make a larger impact, said River Valley Bank Merrill Branch Manager Elizabeth Messner.
The bank is actively seeking other business sponsors for the Merrill Makeover.
“Your commitment of financial assistance and/or in-kind donations will help us make an even bigger difference,” Messner said. “We’re looking to engage businesses to get involved with us.”
The Merrill Makeover project is getting underway. The plan is to have the first round of home improvements completed this spring, with a finale event scheduled for June 27.