First Bank & First Bank Charitable Foundation Join Hope for Children Research Foundation

When a child is facing cancer or a neurological disease, progress in research can mean something much bigger than a medical breakthrough. It can mean new possibilities, better treatments and renewed hope for an entire family.

First Bank and the First Bank Charitable Foundation are helping Hope for Children Research Foundation continue that mission with a $10,000 contribution, presented to the organization at Hapgoods restaurant in Mountain Lakes on Wednesday, September 16.

The contribution includes a $6,000 Silver Sponsorship for Hope for Children Research Foundation’s Golf Outing on October 12, along with a $4,000 donation from the First Bank Charitable Foundation to support research and development.

For more than 40 years, Hope for Children Research Foundation has brought together donors, businesses, medical professionals, volunteers and community leaders to help advance pediatric research and improve outcomes for children facing serious illnesses. The new support from First Bank continues that tradition of community partnership.

“This generous contribution from First Bank supports our mission in two incredibly meaningful ways,” said Michelle Oates, President of Hope for Children Research Foundation. “Their support of our golf outing helps make one of our important fundraising events possible, while their additional donation goes directly toward the research that is at the heart of what we do. We are extremely grateful to First Bank for believing in our mission and the children and families we serve.”

Representing First Bank were Anthony F. DeSenzo, Senior Vice President and Market Executive; Michael Kahn, First Vice President and Market Manager; and Joseph F. Stefans, First Vice President/Commercial Banking Consultant.

“The First Bank Charitable Foundation is proud to support the critical mission of the Hope for Children Research Foundation,” said Anthony F. DeSenzo. “I have experienced firsthand the great work the foundation does and look forward to a long and successful relationship.”

DeSenzo added, “As an Advisory Board member, I can foster collaboration between the Hope for Children Research Foundation and my professional network. Together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone.”

The Foundation’s October 12 golf outing will bring together supporters, businesses and community leaders to help raise funds and awareness for Hope for Children Research Foundation and the pediatric research it supports.

“Events like our golf outing are about much more than a day on the course,” said Bart Oates, Co-Chairman of Hope for Children Research Foundation and three-time Super Bowl champion. “They bring people together around a common purpose. First Bank’s support demonstrates what can happen when a business chooses to get involved and help us keep pushing toward better treatments and better outcomes for children.”

Hope for Children Research Foundation has supported pediatric research for more than four decades, with a particular focus on research into pediatric cancer and neurological disease. Its work is driven by the belief that continued investment in medical research can open the door to new treatments and brighter futures for children and their families.

“Every donation moves the mission forward,” adds Salvatore Frassetto, Co-chairmen of the Executive Board of Advisors for the Hope for Children Research Foundation. “First Bank isn’t simply supporting an event. They’re supporting the work that happens long after the event is over—the research, the people behind it and ultimately the children and families who are counting on progress. We sincerely appreciate their generosity and commitment.”

The $10,000 contribution reflects the important role corporate and community partners continue to play in Hope for Children Research Foundation’s work. By supporting both fundraising efforts and research, First Bank is helping the Foundation continue a mission that has endured for generations: creating hope through action and helping medical researchers move closer to new treatments and better outcomes.

About Hope for Children Research Foundation

Hope for Children Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting pediatric research, advocacy and programs that benefit children facing serious medical challenges. For more than 40 years, the foundation has helped advance research aimed at improving treatments and outcomes for children. Over the years, its mission has evolved to also provide support, resources, awareness and hope to families navigating the challenges that accompany a child’s illness. Through the efforts of donors, volunteers, medical professionals and community leaders, the foundation continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. Visit www.hopeforchildrenresearch.org

About First Bank

First Bank is a New Jersey state-chartered bank with a branch network that traverses the New York to Philadelphia corridor and includes a single location in Palm Beach County, Florida. With $4.09 billion in assets as of June 30, 2026, First Bank offers a full range of deposit and loan products to individuals and businesses in its markets. First Bank's common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “FRBA.