CASA Receives $10,000 Legacy Gift to acknowledge retirement of Stockman Bank Helena Market President John McLaughlin

Tuesday, Apr 6, 2021

HELENA, MT —After more than 27 years in the banking industry and playing a vital role in the opening of Stockman Bank’s first full-service location in Helena, John McLaughlin recently retired as Helena Market President. To recognize McLaughlin’s years of service and contributions to the community, Stockman Bank donated $10,000 to the organization of his choice. He chose CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) to make a positive impact on behalf of abused and neglected children.  The gift is CASA’s largest corporate donation to date.

“This donation is huge because it directly benefits children we serve by supporting our volunteers who advocate for children in the foster care system,” CASA Board President Alana Listoe said. “We are honored and humbled by this tremendously generous gift from Stockman Bank on behalf of John McLaughlin. It is because of donations like this that we are able to provide a consistent presence, a voice of reason, and a spark of hope in children involved in a judicial system by no fault of their own.”

Gerry Hill is in his first year as Executive Director of the organization located in Helena. “The partnership with Stockman Bank is deepening and broadening our work to provide CASA Advocates to walk with children in foster care while they are not able to be with their parent,” he said. “Our program is growing to meet the needs of every child in foster care. We deeply appreciate the financial support and invite members of our community to consider becoming a CASA Advocate.”

McLaughlin selected this non-profit as the recipient of this legacy gift and the donation will kick off fundraising for CASA’s upcoming event The Treasure Chest of Hope Rendezvous. This year’s virtual event will take place on April 16 and will feature raffles, games, and on-line auctions of Treasure Chests of Hope and Buried Treasure. For further information regarding CASA or to donate, please visit www.casalightofhope.org.

The National CASA Association, together with its state and local members, supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children so that they can thrive in safe, permanent homes. Donations are used to recruit, train and support volunteer advocates who provide direct services to the children and families that CASA serves within the First Judicial District Court system. Funds are also used to educate the community about the role of CASA and the services we provide to children.

About Stockman Bank

Stockman Bank is Montana’s largest, privately held, family owned, community bank. With 35 locations throughout the state, along with online and mobile banking, Stockman is committed to enriching the lives of Montanans and helping its communities succeed.

Like Montana, Stockman is distinct with a rich history blending traditional, western values with modern conveniences and state of the art technology. Stockman is proud to be a full-service financial partner, serving all banking, insurance, and wealth management needs with products and services uniquely designed to meet the financial needs of Montanans.

About CASA of Lewis & Clark and Broadwater Counties

CASA advocates are considered  a “voice in court” who speak with the best interest of the child in mind to find a safe, permanent home quickly whether that means returning to a parent or being adopted.

CASA Advocates are people who have been screened and trained by CASA of Lewis & Clark and Broadwater Counties and appointed by the court to advocate for children who come into the court system as a result of abuse or neglect. CASA Advocates respects a child's inherent right to grow up with dignity in a safe environment that meets that child's best interests. They assure that the child's best interests are represented in the court at every stage of the case and in the community in all aspects of the child's life.

Gerry Hill is in his first year as Executive Director at CASA of Lewis & Clark and Broadwater Counties. “The partnership with Stockman Bank is deepening and broadening our work to provide CASA Advocates to walk with children in foster care while they are not able to be with their parent. Our program is growing to meet the needs of every child in foster care. We deeply appreciate the financial support and invite members of our community to consider becoming a CASA Advocate.”