Bank of Utah has released an initial list of approved charities for its upcoming "Where's the Wallet" Cash Quest, a treasure hunt that allows the winner to direct significant prize funds toward community organizations benefiting low-to-moderate income individuals in Utah.
Approved Charity Organizations Listed
The bank announced the list of qualifying organizations as part of the preparations for the next iteration of the contest. According to Bank of Utah, any organization selected by the winner must directly benefit low-to-moderate income individuals within Utah communities. The current list is not final, as the bank noted that additional organizations are under consideration and will be added as they receive approval.
Wide Range of Nonprofits Included
The approved list includes a wide range of regional nonprofits, such as the Bountiful Community Food Pantry, Box Elder Community Pantry, and Cache Community Food Pantry. Support for children and families is also represented through organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Utah, Boys & Girls Club of Weber/Davis, and the YCC Family Crisis Center.
Other notable groups on the list include the Crossroads Urban Center, First Step House, House of Hope, and The Road Home. The bank's list also features several regional United Way chapters, including United Way of Eastern Utah and United Way of Northern Utah, alongside specialized services like the Weber-Morgan Children's Justice Center and the Ogden Weber Community Action Partnership.
Legacy of 2024 Winner
The upcoming contest follows the precedent set by the 2024 Cash Quest, which saw winner Chris Shane claim a $20,000 prize. As Bank of Utah detailed in a recap of the 2024 event, Shane used his winnings to pay it forward by donating half of the total—$10,000—to support first-generation students at Utah Valley University (UVU).
Shane utilized the funds to provide two $5,000 scholarships for students at UVU. He noted that his decision was driven by a passion for education and a desire to provide opportunities for first-generation students who might otherwise lack the financial means to pursue higher learning.
The 2024 Search Process
The 2024 hunt concluded on September 5, after Shane discovered the hidden wallet along the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail in Summit County, near Echo Reservoir. The search process involved analyzing six original clues and two bonus clues released by the bank throughout the contest period, which had run from August 1 through early September.
Shane described the experience as a challenging journey that required him to investigate locations ranging from Spanish Fork to West Valley. He recounted how he searched the Rail Trail area after work each day, eventually finding the wallet despite moments of doubt during the search.
Community and Educational Impact
Cherie Hanson, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Bank of Utah, stated that the Cash Quest was designed to inspire Utahns to explore the state's landscapes while building community excitement. During the 2024 check presentation, Hanson emphasized the bank's commitment to being a trusted financial partner and helping residents discover the value of persistence.
Sandra Fuimaono, program coordinator for the UVU First Generation Student Success Center, highlighted the impact of Shane's donation, noting that many first-generation students face graduation barriers due to financial constraints. Fuimaono remarked that the $10,000 gift would create a legacy impacting generations to come.
Future Contest Format
As the bank prepares for the next hunt, the winner will have the choice between selecting one or two organizations from the approved list to receive their prize funds. The contest continues to serve as a mechanism for both statewide exploration and charitable giving within Utah's various communities.
