April 23, 2025
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Serenity Hospice and Home, SVCC Impact Program among Sterling Federal Bank charity contest winners

By Brandon Clark
Brittlyn Whitman, a member of the SVCC Impact program, volunteers Monday, July 22, 2024 for the annual Rotary Broil and Boil Lunch. Many groups volunteered their time to help with the fundraiser.

Brittlyn Whitman, a member of the SVCC Impact program, volunteers Monday, July 22, 2024 for the annual Rotary Broil and Boil Lunch. Sauk Valley Community College’s Impact Program was awarded a $10,000 second-place prize in Sterling Federal Bank's eighth annual Employee Charity Challenge. (Alex T. Paschal)

STERLING – Sterling Federal Bank has announced the winners of its eighth annual Employee Charity Challenge.

Held throughout March, the long-running contest encourages Sterling Federal employees to nominate and select local charities for a chance to receive financial support.

This year, a total of $50,000 was distributed to several charitable organizations, with the top three winners receiving substantial monetary awards. They are:

  • $20,000 grand prize: Serenity Hospice & Home
  • $10,000 second-place prize: Sauk Valley Community College’s Impact Program
  • $5,000 third-place prize: Gaffey Home Care - Hospice Foundation

Additionally, the following organizations each received $1,000 for their service and commitment to the community:

  • Community Christmas for Children
  • Empowerment Through Sports
  • Good Fellows
  • Hope Cancer Wellness
  • Mt. Morris Loaves & Fish
  • Sauk Valley Food Bank
  • Victory Center

“Our employees are our boots on the ground in each of our communities, so it only makes sense that they would choose the charities that participate in this wonderful event,” Dean Ahlers, president and CEO of Sterling Federal Bank, said in a news release. “Sterling Federal Bank has a long history of servicing the local communities it represents. Our employees’ willingness to give of their time, talent and treasure never ceases to amaze me.”

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Brandon Clark

I received my Associate's in Communication (Media) from Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, IL. I'm currently finishing my Bachelor of Journalism at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. I enjoy engaging the community in thoughtful discussion on current events and look forward to hearing what you have to say. Stay curious. Stay informed.