First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) made a $25,000 donation to the Youth & Family Center contributing to the replacement of the organization’s aging gymnasium floor.

First Mid’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Joe Dively presented the donation to YFC on Thursday, March 16. Youth & Family Center Executive Director Dr. LaChrisa Crenshaw said the donation will help YFC provide a safe, welcoming space where kids of all ages can enjoy more opportunities to achieve their full potential and see a brighter future. The current gymnasium is a multi-functional and recreational space. However, the concrete and urethane-coated floor was failing and unsafe, limiting YFC’s ability to offer quality programs in a safe environment.

“We are thrilled to support the YFC and impact the lives of local youth and families in the St. Louis community,” said Dively. “This great opportunity shows our unwavering commitment to our communities by supporting a safe and inviting space for St. Louis youth to enjoy positive experiences through sports and teamwork.”

First Mid learned of the need through The Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) Sports Foundation, which is facilitating renovations at the YFC addressing the gym floor and main entrance security. In the fall of 2022, the MAC Sports Foundation kicked off the fundraising efforts by pledging $50,000, which inspired a $50,000 donation from the American Hellenic Foundation and generous financial and in-kind contributions from MAC Members.

“First Mid really came through and provided the momentum to get this project done,” MAC Sports Foundation Chairman Greg Beekman said. “We couldn’t be more thankful to them for their gesture and their investment in the community.”

To learn more about the ongoing fundraising campaign, visit mac-sportsfoundation.org.