JENKS, Okla., Nov. 14, 2018 – Gateway Mortgage Group is helping Tulsa-area elementary students start their own library collections. The company served as the presenting sponsor for Reading Partners’ first Books, Brews and BBQ Trivia Night.

The event, which raised $12,500 for the nonprofit, was held at Marshall Brewing Company Tuesday night. One of the many ways the event supports students in Reading Partners is through the “Take Home Reading” program, which gives 1,600 students an age- and skill-appropriate book to take home each week.

“Gateway’s core purpose is to strengthen families,” said Hobie Higgins, chief community engagement officer at Gateway. “What better way to enrich the lives of our children by opening up the world of books to them.”

Justin Harlan, executive director for Reading Partners, thanked Gateway for its support.

“Being able to send a child home with a book allows them to start their own home libraries and fosters a love of reading at an early age,” he said.

Nearly 2,000 other community volunteers have pledged their support and Reading Partners serves 27 reading centers in Tulsa elementary schools. In the 2018-19 school year, the organization hopes to provide 15,000 books through the program.

“We all had a wonderful time at the event,” said Connie Pearson, communications director at Gateway and Reading Partners board member and volunteer. “I love the opportunity Reading Partners gives me to help the children in our community. There is nothing quite like helping a child learn how to read through the personalized curriculum Reading Partners provides.”

Gateway team members also provide weekly one-on-one tutoring to Tulsa Public Schools elementary school students through Reading Partners.

The sponsorship is part of the company’s “Gateway Gives Back” program, which will reinvest $275 million and thousands of volunteer hours in communities throughout Oklahoma over the next five years. The program will also provide mortgage financing in low- to moderate-income communities.

Reading Partners accepts donations through their website, ReadingPartners.org.

About Gateway First Bank 

Gateway First Bank is a leading financial institution that provides banking and mortgage services for consumers and commercial customers. Headquartered in Jenks, Oklahoma, Gateway is a $1.9 billion asset sized bank with a strong mortgage operation.  Gateway is one of the largest banking and mortgage operations in the United States with six bank branches in Oklahoma, over 160 mortgage centers in 42 states, and almost 1,600 employees.  Learn more at www.GatewayFirst.com. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender (NMLS 7233)

Follow Gateway First on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GatewayFirstBank/), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gatewayfirst/) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/Gateway1st).