KANE — On Giving Tuesday, the Kane Area Revitalization Enterprise (KARE), a nonprofit organization focused on the revitalization of Kane’s central business district and residential neighborhoods, hosted a Battle of the Banks event at CJ Spirits to help support the beautification of Kane’s gateway neighborhoods.  

An estimated 75 people attended despite icy weather.

Guest bartenders from the four financial institutions in Kane — CNB Bank, Hamlin Bank, Mountain Laurel Federal Credit Union and Northwest Bank — served beer and bank-themed specialty drinks. All the tips raised, and some of the drink and food proceeds, were donated to KARE.

This year, Northwest took first place, with CNB, Hamlin Bank and Mountain Laurel Federal Credit Union coming in second, third and fourth respectively.  In the end, the winner of the competition is the Kane community — nearly $1,200 was raised in just a few hours.