Firstrust Bank, a longtime supporter of Variety — The Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley, played a pivotal role in the success of the 22nd annual Annie Madden Sunshine Games held recently at the nonprofit’s campus in Worcester Township.

The event brought together children and young adults with disabilities, and Firstrust Bank’s support — which included a $22,000 donation and several staff members volunteering to help facilitate various activities in an Olympic-style setting — ensured a day filled with laughter and excitement.

The Sunshine Games honor the memory of Annie Madden, a Variety camp counselor who died tragically in a car accident in 1999. A year after her death, her parents, Jim and Mary Ellen, decided there was no better way to invoke Annie’s memory than an annual care-free day of fun for campers.

The event began with an opening ceremony that featured brief remarks from Variety CEO Dominique Bernardo and culminated with a Running of the Torch. Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders and Swoop, the team’s mascot, were on hand, thanks to Firstrust, Philadelphia’s hometown bank and the official bank of the Eagles.

Firstrust Bank’s involvement with the Sunshine Games is part of a broader collaboration with Variety that dates back to 1976. Earlier this summer, the bank launched a promotion to support Variety’s summer camp program, which provides campers the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, meet new friends, and participate in activities like swimming, baseball, basketball, and arts and crafts. Through the end of July, Firstrust pledged a $25 donation for all new certificates of deposit (CDs) opened. Additionally, customers could also donate directly to Variety at any local bank branch.

“Firstrust’s partnership with Variety has continued to grow over the past 47 years, allowing our employees and our customers to make a difference for children and young adults with disabilities,” said Tim Abell, CEO and President of Firstrust Bank. “It’s a privilege for Firstrust to continue to be involved in events, like the Annie Madden Sunshine Games, that positively impact the communities we serve.”

Variety’s mission is to enrich the lives of children and young adults with disabilities through social, educational, and vocational programs that nurture independence and self-confidence and prepare them for life. Each year, hundreds of families eagerly await coming “home” to Variety for a summer full of rich relationships and engaging activities.

“Corporate supporters like Firstrust are critical to Variety, and we are grateful for the decades of support of Firstrust,” said Bernardo.

Learn more about Firstrust Bank.