Customers and employees of M&I, a part of BMO Financial Group, collectively raised more than $14,000 during their “Give Your Heart to a Child” campaign for Friends of Kids with Cancer.

The monthlong campaign, which started Feb. 1, engaged employees at all 16 M&I branches in the metro area, who sold $1 and $5 hearts for the St. Louis-based organization. Several branches also hosted bake sales, raffles and lunches to supplement their fundraising efforts, according to a news release.

The Sunset Hills branch raised the most funds with $5,000, thanks to the generous local businesses, customers and employees.

“We look forward to this annual event and are happy to support such a worthy organization like Friends of Kids with Cancer,” stated Sunset Hills branch manger Shannon Van Bibber, who now serves as treasurer on the Friends of Kids with Cancer’s young friends board. “Our customers and employees are so generous and truly went above and beyond this year to support families struggling with cancer.”

Now in its fifth year, the fundraising campaign has raised more than $74,000 overall for this local charity. Judy Ciapciak, executive director of Friends of Kids with Cancer, said the donated money will help the organization continue educational, recreational and emotional support programs for families in need.

“Each year M&I branches become more creative at fundraising for our mission,” Ciapciak stated in the release. “The M&I family has some of the most dynamic people working together for families who need their support.”