Charlie Cross, chief executive officer of CS Bank, recently announced the local bank’s $50,000 pledge to the Eureka Springs School of the Arts in the school’s growth and beautification project.
Over the next two years, CS Bank will make two $25,000 donations. This two-phase, multi-million-dollar plan for growth consists of purchasing another 15 acres of property, enabling future growth and advancement to the existing campus’ property.
Cross said: “Our bank is pleased to provide this monetary donation to support the worthwhile endeavors at ESSA. As is widely known, the arts are sewn into the fabric of our community here in Eureka Springs, and the work that ESSA continues to do is invaluable to enhancing our area’s reputation in this regard. Thus, the efforts to grow and improve the ESSA campus experience is something our company is proud to help facilitate, as that work is impactful to the quality of life of our city, its residents and visitors.”
When ESSA began 27 years ago in 1998, it was a school without walls, with passionate local artists offering up their studios to support workshops. A few years later, ESSA moved into a small campus with one building and an acre of land. Today, ESSA has grown into a 55-acre campus with seven teaching studios located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Eureka Springs.
ESSA executive director, Kelly McDonough said: “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of those who have donated to the capital campaign so far, and we are planning several engaging and exciting fundraising events for this spring and summer to finish strong. CS Bank has been a stalwart supporter of ESSA and so many community initiatives in Eureka Springs, so it is fitting that they kick off this final phase of the campaign with their generous gift. We can’t wait to celebrate this expansion milestone with our community!”
Receiving the ceremonial check on behalf of ESSA, were faculty members and their governing board of directors.
CS Bank, a $610 million financial institution, continues to serve as the only local community bank in Eureka Springs and has been growing and expanding rapidly during the past several years.
