MARION – As the anticipation builds for the upcoming solar eclipse occurring on April 8th, Banterra is thrilled to announce a unique initiative to illuminate hope for critically ill children. Banterra is now offering solar eclipse glasses for purchase at all branches for a minimum $2 donation until April 8th or while supplies last.
Banterra is donating $50,000 to Granted’s “House of Hope” initiative, as well as distributing funds from eclipse glasses sales to Granted and Make-A-Wish charities. Glasses sold in Banterra branches in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky will benefit Granted. Granted is a non-profit organization based out of Southwest Indiana that helps grant wishes to children in the surrounding areas who have been diagnosed with life-threatening or terminal conditions. Glasses sold in Arizona, Missouri, and Utah will benefit Make-A-Wish, a non-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling wishes to children across the nation also with critical illnesses.
Banterra’s donation to Granted’s “House of Hope” will secure naming rights for the Children’s Grassy Play Area to be constructed and will serve as a vibrant and safe space for children to play, learn and grow. The “House of Hope” project, with expected opening in June 2025, will be a comprehensive programming facility, offering support groups, inclusive events, and other resources to children and their families.
“We provided glasses as a charity fundraiser for the solar eclipse in 2017, and we knew with its popularity and need, we would want to do it again,” said Jeff May, President and CEO of Banterra Bank. “We’re honored to once again provide this service to our communities for such a unique event while also making a meaningful impact on the lives of children through donations and our contribution.”
Banterra’s footprint covers six states, including Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri, but also Western states of Arizona and Utah. Southern Illinois, where Banterra is founded and based, and parts of Indiana and Kentucky, are some of the prime viewing locations for the eclipse, not only to see totality, but also because of the length of time the eclipse will be visible. Protective eye wear will be necessary when viewing this historic event.