First Bank helped Habitat for Humanity of Moore County celebrate its 20th anniversary with a $15,000 sponsorship of the organization's May 10 gala event at the Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst.

"We are deeply proud to be able to assist such a worthy organization on the critically important issue of housing, and to be present at such a momentous anniversary celebration," said John F. Burns, an executive vice president at First Bank. "On behalf of First Bank, I commend Habitat for Humanity of Moore County for the good works that they have done in this community over the last 20 years. We look forward to continuing to work together in the future."

In addition to the sponsorship for the gala event, First Bank has facilitated almost $1.2 million in grants for Habitat for Humanity of Moore County through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta.

Many First Bank employees have volunteered over the years with the organization.

In 2000, First Bank sponsored the building of a Habitat for Humanity house in Moore County.

Habitat for Humanity of Moore County partners with families and the community to end substandard housing in the Sandhills region by building homes and developing strong relationships with homeowners, volunteers, donors and the community. The organization has built 150 homes since it was founded.

First Bank, based in Troy, North Carolina, has 13 branches in and around Moore County, and operates 74 branch offices through the Carolinas and Virginia.