First Bank has pledged $25,000 to the comprehensive capital campaign for Discovery Place KIDS-Rockingham, a charitable organization dedicated to community improvement and capacity building.

Discovery Place KIDS-Rockingham will offer creative learning-through-play experiences for children and their caregivers that build essential childhood skills by encouraging curiosity, discovery and play.

"First Bank is proud to make this contribution to Discovery Place KIDS-Rockingham, aimed at supporting a fun, interactive learning center for children," said Jerry Ocheltree, president and CEO of First Bank. "Contributing to our communities is a priority of First Bank, and this partnership with Discovery Place demonstrates the company's short and long-term commitment to families within the community."

The first Discovery Place KIDS opened in Huntersville, and its success helped propel the move toward a second KIDS facility in Rockingham.

"First Bank's entrustment of their dollars to the well-being of this part of the state embodies the definition of community," said John Mackay, president and CEO of Discovery Place Inc. "We are grateful for their support that will help provide exceptional educational play opportunities for children from around the region."

First Bank made its initial $5,000 donation in May 2011 and will put forward the same level of contribution annually.

Discovery Place KIDS is an innovative model in regional children's museums developed by Discovery Place Inc., the parent company of Discovery Place and Charlotte Nature Museum. Discovery Place KIDS is built on the theme of "I Can" and offers unique opportunities for learning through play for children and their parents or caregivers.

Anyone needing more information about Discovery Place KIDS can call (704) 372-6261 or visit discoveryplaceKIDS.org.