When a bank has been in a community for a “mere” 108 years, a statement of commitment is pretty evident. First National Bank has been serving the financial needs of Hartford and the greater Washington County area since 1907. The bank is stepping up once again to show its support with a $75,000 donation to the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center campaign.

“The Aquatic Center is just a tremendous asset to a community like Hartford. It falls in the same category as other great community projects in Hartford — the Schauer Center, the Hartford Rec Center, the Jack Russell Memorial Library. These facilities provide well-rounded access to quality public services that families and individuals expect and deserve,” explained Tim Purman, First National Bank President and CEO. “When new residents, or potential new residents, look at the Hartford community and see these amenities they say, ‘Wow, what a progressive community. That’s a community interested in providing quality services,’ he continued.”

The goal of the “Something for Everyone” campaign is to raise an additional $2.3 million to fund enhancements and amenities to the aquatic center’s base including a raft slide, body waterslide, lazy river, sand-play area, floatable water walk and more.

“We have been receiving fantastic support from the business and industry communities, and are beginning to see more and more support from individuals,” added in Laurie Parsons, Aquatic Center Co-Chairperson.

Purman believes investing in the Aquatic Center is a good business decision because it helps the economic growth of the community.

“Amenities like the Aquatic Center lead people to consider Hartford as a community to live in, which means more people are buying goods and services in our community, which then helps our local businesses grow and prosper, and in turn offers additional employment opportunities. Donating to the Aquatic Center makes sense from a philanthropic and financial standpoint,” Purman said.

It’s not all about business though.

“I’m personally involved in this project because I believe in Hartford. I’ve lived here most of my life. I had an opportunity to raise our family here in Hartford. My wife and I just feel that this has been a good community for our family. We feel it’s important to have these amenities to uphold the quality and standard of living of this community, and we just want to be a part of it,” Purman went on to explain.

The “Something for Everyone” campaign” is making its final push. Total money raised to date is just over $1.5 million with approximately $798,000 left to raise. The campaign committee’s goal is to raise this final amount by the end of March. Businesses and individuals who are interested in learning more or making a donation to the campaign can contact Mike Hermann, Hartford Parks and Recreation Director at (262) 670-3731.