Earlier this month the Edward Jones branch in Belpre, Ohio organized its inaugural First Responders Appreciation Lunch to mark National First Responders Day. Financial advisor JC Rutter and branch administrator Cynthia Richards orchestrated the gathering, inviting police officers, firefighters, EMTs, dispatchers and other emergency personnel to share a casual meal while the firm highlighted its commitment to the community.
The menu featured grilled hot dogs, pepperoni rolls, chips, soft drinks and water, complemented by freshly baked cookies supplied by Blessed to Baked, a bakery in nearby Pomeroy. Recognizing that some responders, such as dispatchers, could not leave their stations, the office provided take-away containers so everyone could enjoy the food without disrupting their shifts.
Behind the lunch: personal motivation and community collaboration
Cynthia Richards, who assumed her role earlier in the year, conceived the event as part of her marketing leadership duties. She partnered with teachers at a local elementary school, prompting students to create thank-you cards that were displayed during the luncheon and later handed to attendees. Richards also shared a personal anecdote: two years ago a carbon-monoxide leak from a professionally installed furnace endangered her son’s family, and a swift response from local emergency crews saved them. That experience deepened her resolve to publicly recognize the everyday sacrifices of first-responders.
Future plans for the Belpre celebration
Rutter, whose office opened in early 2025, announced that the lunch will become an annual tradition, with backing from the mayor’s office and municipal authorities. The goal, he explained, is to broaden the event each year, eventually incorporating more local businesses and expanding outreach to surrounding townships. He also reminded residents to test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, especially as colder weather increases the risk of furnace-related incidents.
Edward Jones renews its role with the Big 12 Conference
In a separate development, Edward Jones confirmed a one-year extension of its partnership with the Big 12 Conference. The firm will retain its status as the official wealth-management partner and continue as title sponsor of the Edward Jones Big 12 Football Championship. New components for this year include a cross-sport digital integration covering men’s and women’s basketball as well as Olympic-style events, and a suite of virtual financial-education webinars aimed at student-athletes.
The webinars, led by Edward Jones educators, will cover topics such as income planning, fundamentals of investing and long-term financial wellness. According to Hema Widhani, Edward Jones’ Chief Brand, Experience and Marketing Officer, the partnership leverages the conference’s reach across 16 cities and millions of alumni, allowing the firm’s more than 20,000 advisors to connect with families throughout the Big 12 footprint.
Upcoming championship and media exposure
The 2026 Edward Jones Big 12 Football Championship is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT on Friday, Dec. 4, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and will be broadcast on ABC. The event offers additional branding opportunities for Edward Jones and reinforces its community-focused image beyond the traditional financial-services arena.
Both initiatives— the Belpre lunch and the Big 12 renewal— illustrate Edward Jones’ dual strategy of reinforcing local goodwill while expanding national visibility through sports partnerships. By pairing grassroots gratitude with high-profile sponsorships, the firm positions itself as a trusted advisor both on Main Street and in the stadium.
