November 2010: Hampton Roads Bankshares Announces $35,000 Commitment By Gateway Bank To Arts of The Albemarle

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HAMPTON ROADS BANKSHARES ANNOUNCES $35,000 COMMITMENT BY GATEWAY BANK TO ARTS OF THE ALBEMARLE
Gateway Bank Designated “Champion of the Arts” For Third Consecutive Year
Norfolk, Virginia, November 15, 2010: Hampton Roads Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: HMPR) (the “Company”), the holding company for Bank of Hampton Roads and Shore Bank, today announced that its subsidiary Gateway Bank had made a $35,000 commitment for 2011 to Arts of the Albemarle (AOA), a regional non-profit arts council representing Pasquotank, Gates and Camden Counties, North Carolina. AOA is located in the recently renovated historical Lowry-Chesson Building, now called The Center, in Downtown Elizabeth City. As a result of this commitment, AOA designated Gateway Bank a “Champion of the Arts” for the third consecutive year.

The Center houses the Jaquelin Jenkins Gallery, a home to over 250 artists, craftsman and photographers, the AOA School of the Arts, a multi-discipline visual and performing arts after–school instructional program and the Maguire Theatre, a state-of-the-art 230-seat performance space. AOA’s Arts and Education Outreach Program places professional teaching artist into schools and the community for performances and workshops.

John A. B. “Andy” Davies, Jr., the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are delighted to provide continuing support to Arts of the Albemarle, which offers programs and facilities that enrich the cultural life of Elizabeth City and surrounding areas. This commitment reflects the deep roots Gateway Bank has in the communities of Eastern North Carolina.”

Davies added, “As a leading community bank in Eastern North Carolina, we believe it is important to support local institutions and programs, particularly during difficult economic times when other sources of support are not available.”

Ray Meiggs, Executive Director of AOA, said, “As the “Champion of the Arts” for the fourth consecutive year, Gateway is a stellar example of corporate philanthropy at its best. This partnership clearly underscores Gateway’s commitment to making this community and northeastern North Carolina wonderful places to live, work and play. Andy Davies and David Twiddy have seen firsthand how Gateway’s investment in AOA changes lives and brings new life to Elizabeth City’s Main Street. Arts of the Albemarle is especially appreciative of their support of the scholarship fund for our growing School of the Arts Center Players.”

The funds provided to AOA by Gateway Bank will be used for a variety of purposes, including funding three scholarships. One of the scholarships will honor David and Rhonda Twiddy, in recognition of their continuing support of AOA. Mr. Twiddy is the President of Eastern North Carolina Markets for Bank of Hampton Roads and Chairman of Gateway Insurance Services.

Twiddy said, “Rhonda and I are truly honored that this scholarship will bear our names. As lifetime residents of Eastern North Carolina, we care very deeply about our community and the institutions like Arts of the Albemarle that help make it a wonderful place to live and work.”

About Hampton Roads Bankshares:
Hampton Roads Bankshares, Inc. is a bank holding company that was formed in 2001 and is headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia. The Company’s primary subsidiaries are Bank of Hampton Roads, which opened for business in 1987, and Shore Bank, which opened in 1961 (the “Banks”). The Banks engage in general community and commercial banking business, targeting the needs of individuals and small to medium-sized businesses. Currently, Bank of Hampton Roads operates twenty-eight banking offices in the Hampton Roads region of southeastern Virginia and twenty-four offices in Virginia and North Carolina doing business as Gateway Bank & Trust Co. Shore Bank serves the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia through eight banking offices and fifteen ATMs. Through various affiliates, the Banks also offer mortgage banking services, insurance, title insurance, and investment products. Shares of the Company’s common stock are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol HMPR. Additional information about the Company and its subsidiaries can be found at www.hamptonroadsbanksharesinc.com.