First Interstate Bank Gives $250,000 To ABT Capital Campaign

First Interstate Bank generously donated $250,000 to Alberta Bair Theater's Capital Campaign to help fund the theater's upcoming $12 million renovation and expansion.

"We are thrilled to receive this level of support and commitment to the capital campaign," said Jan Dietrich, executive director of Alberta Bair Theater. "First Interstate Bank's gift sets the bar for corporate giving and we're excited to challenge other area businesses to give in meaningful ways."

Dietrich says First Interstate Bank's commitment to the performing arts in our community is unsurpassed. FIB has been a longtime sponsor of ABT's Fox Series, continually supports its annual golf tournament, and shares its executives to serve on the board of directors. Bill Gottwals, First Interstate Bank Director of Banking, serves on the ABT executive committee as past Board President and Kirk Jensen, a member of First Interstate Bank's senior leadership team and general counsel, is a current ABT Board Member.

"On behalf of First Interstate Bank and the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation, we are honored to contribute to such a worthy and beloved organization," said Brian Brown, First Interstate Billings Market President. "As purveyors of art and culture, the team at Alberta Bair works tirelessly to bring life and color into our community-making our little corner of the world a little bit brighter, a little bit better."

For more than 30 years Alberta Bair Theater has presented the best of Broadway touring productions, world class dance and theatre, and Grammy awarded artists. Local organizations such as the Billings Symphony and Billings Community Band present concerts and local dance studios present annual recitals. More than one million people have enjoyed a performance at Alberta Bair Theater over the course of the past three decades without any major capital improvements.

This renovation and expansion will improve the theater experience for patrons, artists, and staff and expands the footprint on both the east and south sides of the theater to increase the lobby space and allow for an elevator. Restrooms will be added on the lobby and mezzanine levels. More than half of the project is funding infrastructure to meet the needs of artists and touring companies.

About First Interstate

Headquartered in Billings, Montana, First Interstate Bank is a $13 billion community banking organization with more than 120 branches across Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. First Interstate is driven by strong values, with a focus on supporting the communities it serves through the financial services it provides as well as through volunteerism and philanthropy. As a recognized leader in community banking services, First Interstate is guided by strong values as well as a commitment to delivering long-term organic growth by exceeding client expectations and supporting-with leadership and resources- the communities it serves. Learn more at firstinterstatebank.com.

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