Gail McDaniel

Brentwood Home Page news reports
FirstBank is collaborating with visual artist Gail McDaniel to help raise funds for arts education in Williamson and Davidson County public schools. FirstBank announced this month that they will donate $25 toward the “Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Award” anytime a customer mentions the award when opening a new account at any of its 45 banking location. The bank has already donated $500 toward the 2012 award.

One hundred percent of the money raised will be given to art teachers and the PENCIL Foundation for the purchase of educational supplies.

"FirstBank is excited to expand our support of the 'Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Award' by making a donation to the fund every time a new account is opened and the person mentions the program," said David Ott, manager of business banking for FirstBank's Cool Springs branch. "We recognize that this worthwhile program closely reflects FirstBank’s support of education across the State of Tennessee, including Williamson and Davidson counties, and we hope this offer increases both awareness and financial support of the program."

Earlier this year, Franklin watercolorist McDaniel presented $4,046 in award grants to 10 art teachers of Williamson and Davidson county public schools. The remaining $2,395 raised was donated to the PENCIL Foundation’s LP PENCIL Box, a store that provides free educational supplies to area schools. The funds were raised during a year-long campaign that ended with the 11th annual "January Chase-Away-The-Blahs Party" on Jan. 8. The live auction and lunch drew bidders from across Middle Tennessee. Since 2001, the program has raised more than $81,000.

“Many schools in our area face fiscal challenges, which often limit available funding for arts education," McDaniel added. "This is a wonderful way for arts supporters to invest in the future."