Lakewood, CO, June 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- During Pride Month FirstBank is teaming up with gourmet popsicle and sandwich purveyor Aikopops to support Rainbow Alley, a safe space and support program for LGBTQ youth. Starting Monday, June 18 through Monday, June 25, Colorado’s second largest bank, FirstBank, will donate $10 to Rainbow Alley for each special edition lavender-lemonade pop purchased at Aikopops’ storefront at 1284 S. Pearl St. in Denver.
FirstBank and Aikopops will also be handing out free lavender-lemonade pops and other goodies to event-goers during this year’s PrideFest Parade, the largest LGBTQ pride celebration in the Rocky Mountain region, on Sunday, June 17. FirstBank and Aikopops will be posted in route of the Parade at FirstBank’s branch on Colfax and Franklin (1617 E. Colfax Ave). More than a hundred FirstBank employees from all over Colorado will be participating in the 2018 PrideFest.
“We stand behind the LGBTQ community. They’re our family, colleagues, customers and friends,” said Jim Reuter, CEO of FirstBank. “We recognize LGBTQ individuals, especially young adults, can face harassment, bullying or worse, and need access to a safe and caring environment like the one Rainbow Alley provides. This promotion offers us a fun way to give back to a life changing cause, while supporting local business.”
Last year, the bank partnered with Little Man Ice Cream to create a specialized rainbow kaleidoscope ice cream. With every scoop sold, FirstBank donated $5 to Rainbow Alley. The company hopes by investing more per sale, they’ll be able to provide more funds to the program.
“Companies like FirstBank enable us to continue positively impacting and advancing the LGBTQ community,” said Karen McCleery, Director of Development for The Center, an LGBTQ nonprofit and community center, which runs the Rainbow Alley program. “Without active supporters and donors we wouldn’t be able to ensure nearly 50,000 individuals are given the support and resources to live a quality lif
About FirstBank
FirstBank operates more than 115 locations in Colorado, Arizona and California. It’s the largest locally owned banking organization in Colorado, serving more than 750,000 customers. FirstBank offers a variety of checking and savings accounts, mortgages, home equity loans and a full range of commercial loans and business accounts and services. Since 2000, the company has been recognized as a top corporate philanthropist and has contributed more than $60 million and thousands of volunteer hours to charitable organizations. FirstBank is also unique in that a majority of its stock is owned by management and employees. For more information, go to www.efirstbank.com.
About Aikopops
Aikopops is a unique eatery and modern day pop shop located in South Denver that serves up artisan sandwiches, heartwarming soups and tasty gourmet popsicles. The company started in 2011 and has gained national recognition, being named for creating one of the best popsicles in the country by Delish.com. They were also featured on the Cooking Channel’s “Unique Sweets.” To learn more, go to www.aikopops.com.
About The Center
The Center opened in 1976 and over the years has grown to become the largest community center in the Rocky Mountain region, giving voice to Colorado’s LGBT community and playing a pivotal role in statewide initiatives to reduce harassment and discrimination. Today the Center is focused on fulfilling its mission – to engage, empower, enrich and advance the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community of Colorado – by ensuring that every member of the LGBT community has access to the programs and resources they need to live happy, healthy, and productive lives. The Center currently operates on an annual budget of $2.2 million, employs 20 staff members and utilizes more than 500 community volunteers to serve more than 47,000 people each year. www.glbtcolorado.org.
About Rainbow Alley
Rainbow Alley is a safe space supporting LGBTQ youth and their allies ages 11 to 21, providing a drop-in space, youth-led events and activities, counseling and support groups, health services, and life services, all in a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment. www.glbtcolorado.org/programs/rainbow-alley/.
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