National Night Out is an annual event that strengthens the relationship between communities and local law enforcement, by bringing them together to share food, fun, and information.

Our Brookfield Square branch participated in the Brookfield National Night Out on August 1. Assistant branch manager–sales Domingo Martinez and area branch manager Margie Brusa were at our booth outside the Brookfield Civic Center, offering games for kids.

And Brookfield Square teller Karin Nohelty and video teller Kayleigh Marshall were inside providing literature about identity theft and financial security.

The event got a late start because of pouring rain, Margie reports. But she estimates that 200 to 250 people visited our booths. “The biggest crowds were at the outdoor booth, where we had the bean bag toss and the I Spy games, along with prizes,” she says. “Regardless of the weather, it is always a fun event and a good way to bring awareness to our community about security and safety.”

The Franklin branch also took part in the Franklin National Night Out on August 6, and weather was a factor then, too. “The rain forecast scared us a little, but we ended up with a huge turnout,” assistant branch manager–sales Stephanie Bluemel says. “I would say at least 500 to 1,000 people. The kids really enjoyed the Seymour memory game and the fun prizes. We had lots of conversations about offering coin counting for kids, and cash bonuses for the adults.” She is pictured above at left with universal banker Bryan Sotelo, teller Valerie Kochanski, and teller supervisor Patience Scribner.