Community
| 08.30.2018
Clear Mountain Bank is proud to announce that Donna Thomas-Hart has been chosen as the recipient of the bank’s inaugural Brian F. Thomas Community Service Award for 2018.
The Brian F. Thomas Community Service Award was founded in honor of the bank’s long-time former president and CEO, the late Brian F. Thomas, who passed away in August of 2016. The award is designed to recognize the bank employee who best exemplifies Brian’s vision for and commitment to community service and philanthropy. The recipient must demonstrate a selfless devotion to community service and volunteerism.
Thomas-Hart works as a senior accountant in the bank’s finance department and has been employed by Clear Mountain Bank since 1997. She has dedicated thousands of hours during her career serving multiple organizations in our community, which most notably includes more than 20 years of service to the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department and the Preston County Buckwheat Festival.
Thomas-Hart first began volunteering at the Buckwheat Festival when she was in high school. Since then, she has served the festival in numerous capacities, including volunteering on the festival’s November Committee and Steering Committee. She has twice served as general chairman for the festival; first in 2010 and again in 2017. She is also a faithful supporter of the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department, regularly volunteering at the department’s monthly buckwheat cake breakfasts. She has been an honorary member of the fire department since 2002.
“It’s my pleasure to recognize Donna as the recipient of the Brian F. Thomas Community Service Award,” said David Thomas, president and CEO of Clear Mountain Bank. “Her commitment to serving our community and her willingness to help others truly embodies the spirit of this award. Donna’s service to the Preston County Buckwheat Festival, in particular, is remarkable, given that she volunteers hundreds of hours annually and has stepped up to serve as general chairman twice. Brian had a passion for the Buckwheat Festival having served as King Buckwheat and general chairman, so I think that it is particularly fitting that we are honoring someone who shares that same passion,” added Thomas.
As part of the Brian F. Thomas Community Service Award, the award recipient can make a $500 donation to the charity of his/her choice. Donna Thomas-Hart chose a charity near and dear to her heart – Beta Sigma Phi Sorority towards their Operation Mimi Girls project. Presenting the check to Lucille Crogan, Founder of Operation Mimi Girls, from left are Donna Thomas-Hart, Chase Thomas and David M. Thomas of Clear Mountain Bank.
Additionally, Thomas-Hart volunteers for the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority performing community service, and has volunteered for various causes coordinated by Clear Mountain Bank, including participating in Habitat for Humanity projects in Monongalia and Garrett counties and volunteering to stock shelves at the food pantry in Bruceton Mills as part of the Clear Mountain Cares program.
“What is most admirable about Donna’s community service activities is the selfless manner in which she conducts herself,” stated Thomas. “Donna does not seek or expect accolades or recognition. Those who nominated Donna for this award used the words ‘humble’, ‘selfless’ and ‘devoted’ when describing Donna, and she epitomizes what it means to be a servant leader” he added.
Thomas-Hart will receive a $500 monetary gift from the bank in recognition of her efforts. Additionally, the bank will make a $500 donation to her chosen charitable organization, the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, for its “Operation Mimi Girls” project, which provides much needed supplies for students in need at Preston High School.
Clear Mountain Bank is a locally-owned and managed community bank serving north-central West Virginia and western Maryland. Clear Mountain Bank offers a comprehensive array of banking services. The company is a leader in providing electronic banking services, including mobile banking and remote deposit. Additional information is available at www.clearmountainbank.com.
