Arc wins Regions contest

A toddler group enjoys guitar music at The Arc of Madison County, which won Regions Bank’s “What a Difference a Day Makes” contest. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON COUNTY – The Arc of Madison County has won the 2015 “What a Difference a Day Makes” online contest, sponsored by Regions Bank.

The Arc of Madison County will receive 100 volunteer hours from Regions associates and $5,000 from the company. All other nominees in the contest will each receive 50 volunteer service hours, along with $1,000.

In this year’s contest, nonprofit organizations that serve people with disabilities were featured, recognizing the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Regions’ website (regionsbanknews.com) spotlighted these organizations in individual profiles.

Regions personnel encouraged individuals to visit the website, learn about each organization and vote for their favorites.

“At Regions Bank, community support is about more than writing a check. We believe in working with nonprofits hand-in-hand through volunteer work and raising awareness of the valuable services they provide,” Kathy Lovell said. Lovell works at ADA manager for Regions Bank.

The Arc of Madison County works to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In the 1950s, a group of parents established the Arc for services and support for children with disabilities.

The Arc has grown to include residential services, day habilitation services and job placement for adults. The Arc also advocates for infants, toddlers and school-aged children with disabilities.

“We are inspired by the mission of the Arc of Madison County and how its staff and volunteers are making a difference in the lives of so many people in the Tennessee Valley,” Ron Poteat said. Poteat is North Alabama area president for Regions Bank.

In 2014, Regions associates reported more than 77,000 community service hours to various civic organizations. For more information, visit regions.com.