Community Commitment

Wabash Cannonball Chili for Charity Cook Off

First Merchants Bank participated in the 7th Annual Wabash Cannonball Chili for Charity Cook Off raising $36,000 for local charities.  Hands of Hope; Honeywell Educational Outreach; Learn More Center; Senior Center Food Pantry; Special Olympics; The Access; Youth Service Bureau.  The cook off has raised over $154,000 since it started 7 years ago.  It's the largest chili cook off in Indiana.

Ball State University Fan Jam Event

 First Merchants Bank Southeast employees proudly displayed their support of Ball State athletics in a unique way at the recent BSU fan jam event.  The function, held to celebrate the upcoming men’s/women’s basketball seasons, served as a kickoff of the new partnership between First Merchants and Ball State athletics.  Bank employees roamed Worthen Arena and distributed trick or treat bags, informational pamphlets, and offered fans an opportunity to win a $200 savings bond.

 Under this collaboration, First Merchants will be offered several promotional opportunities and tie-ins, including arena signage, in-game displays, and marketing collateral.  FMB’s Jennifer Phillips acknowledged that as a “hometown bank, it’s great to be involved with our local university and support student athletes.”  We’re looking forward to developing an enjoyable and mutually beneficial relationship that will help us showcase the wide range of products and services that First Merchants provides.”

Prevail's Reds Whites and Blues

Sunday August 30, 2009 at the Ritz Charles in Carmel, First Merchants participated in the dinner fundraiser.   The evening was filled with red and white wines and some jazzy blues.   All proceeds benefitted Prevail Inc. of Noblesville.  Prevail is a victim awareness and support program serving Hamilton and surrounding counties.

Ladies Golf Tournament at Honeywell Golf Course sponsored by First Merchants

Tony Millspaugh & Mitzi Pilgrim of First Merchants helped coordinate the event.

Honeywell Center Summer Concert Series

First Merchants was a proud sponsor of the successful summer concert series featuring different bands every week.  More than 2,300 people of all ages enjoyed the free concerts this year!

Rich Taylor named President of Carmel City Center Community Development Corporation

Jay County Fair “Classics of the Past” Tent Sponsor

July 27th- August 1st: First Merchants Bank was the exclusive sponsor of a new division of the Jay County Fair, “The Classics of the Past” tent. Events held at the tent included: Old time tractor parade, homemade ice cream, kettle cooking, bingo, Chicken Bingo, checkers, a goat mountain, bull riding, and Native American artifacts just to name a few. The event continues to grow with twice as many exhibitors and visitors. We appreciate our employee participation: Janet Powers, Carl Walker, Derek Rodgers and Sarah Paxson!

Weed N' Seed

On Monday August 3rd, a field trip to Muncies ME Zoo was facilitated by the Weed N' Seed program of Delaware County.  The children who participated are either in foster care or living with extended family members.  Mike King, Manager of our Madison Street and Southway banking centers provided box lunches for the 30 children who participated...complete with an ice cream cup dessert!

Backpack Pickup & School Supplies Drive

On Saturday August 1st the “official” Backpack-Pickup occurred at Muncie Central High School. Parents and children started lining up at about 7 am for the 9 am start of the give-away. By noon approximately 1200 children from all grades picked up their back packs loaded with the required first day school supplies. An additional 600 to 800 children are expected to be provided with back packs through the first full week of school. These additional back packs along with those given on August 1st will help about 2,000 children and all were provided and filled through the efforts of all who donated school supplies and their time.

For the past three years the combined entities of First Merchants Bank and Toyota of Muncie have provided the corporate sponsorship for this event. Additionally we have added local radio station WLBC as a media partner. The combined agencies of Action Inc., Blood N’ Fire, Center Township Trustee, Christian Ministries, Future Choices, Indiana Black Expo/Muncie Chapter and the Muncie Mission have joined this endeavor and now present a formidable organization that collects a meaningful amount of needed school supplies for the children of Delaware County. The coalition of these agencies along with the financial support provided by FMB and Toyota and several meaningful grants supplied by The Community Foundation of Delaware County and the United Way of Delaware County is the backbone of this endeavor.

Noblesville Chamber Golf Outing

First Merchants is a strong supporter of the Noblesville Chamber, with First Merchants employees serving on numerous committees and volunteering at any and all events, this one being no exception. Even though ultimately the golf portion was cancelled due to horrible weather, First Merchants was present all day to keep the participants occupied and having a great time. Lunch and dinner still went on, and in between First Merchants supplied decks of cards to the anxious golfers to keep them entertained. Despite the storms, the day was a success!

First Merchants Employees serve in the following positions with the Noblesville Chamber: Cindy White- Board Member-Chair-Elect, Ambassadors committee member and liaison; Jonathan Hunt- Ambassador Committee Chairman, Member Services Committee; Pat Berghoff- Co-Chair for Economic Development Committee; Lindsay Sweet- 2009 Golf Committee Chairman, Chairman of Young Professionals Group, Member Services Committee, Ambassadors Committee