Happy Holidays!!!

Wow! What a busy month I have had learning about the world of banking! I'm settling into my role at Sterling Bank and already have several BIG projects on my plate! Sterling Bank has 40 offices in the Houston, Dallas and San Antonio areas, and takes great pride in its communities. In the Houston area, we just completed a clothing and blanket drive for the homeless through the SEARCH Project, and on March 26, 2006, the Bank is sponsoring the 13th Annual Tour de Cypress, one of the bike rides available for training for the MS 150. All proceeds of the Tour de Cypress benefit the Caring for Children Foundation of Texas.

On April 20, 2006, Sterling will serve as a sponsor of the March of Dimes' WalkAmerica event, so I'll be involved in that project, as well!

Also exciting for me is the opportunity to serve on the silent auction committee for the American Cancer Society's Starlight Gala, which will take place on April 1, 2006. This is an event for young professionals produced by young professionals so please be sure to mark the date on your calendar. Here's a link to last year's event - http://www.starlightgala.org/index.htm. A bit of history: In 1996, the American Cancer Society Junior Board hosted the first Starlight Gala, creating an event that would introduce young professionals between the ages of 25 and 45 to philanthropic fundraising. Since 1996, the Starlight Gala has raised more than $800,000 for the Houston chapter of the American Cancer Society!!

I promise to update everyone more often now that I am a bit settled at Sterling Bank. Please post your comments and let us know what challenges and successes you are having in public relations.

Happy Holidays!

Kelly