Community involvement and charitable giving remained priorities over the last year for the Hilltop family of companies. During 2022, our organization donated more than $3.9 million to support a broad range of community initiatives throughout the markets we serve.
Our ongoing Buffalo Scholars program awarded $40,000 in scholarships to students pursuing college degrees. We continued to support public education by donating $150,000 in addition to the $1 million already donated to the Dallas and Houston Education Foundations and Houston ISD last year. As part of our partnership with the Dallas Independent School District, Hilltop employees volunteered more than 180 hours through mentorships, speaking opportunities, and other efforts to provide pivotal learning experiences for students.
Our employees also volunteered more than 140 hours to help distribute school supplies for the Community Partners of Dallas Back to School Drive and more than 250 hours at the North Texas Food Bank. We continued our support of the American Cancer Society through donations and participation in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk in Arlington, Texas.
Last year Hilltop also initiated a new annual Volunteer of the Year program to recognize one employee who consistently supports those in need in our communities through volunteer work with charitable and civic organizations.