Montecito Bank & Trust Holds Virtual Anniversary Grants Reception to Honor Nonprofits

Source: Montecito Bank & Trust

Local nonprofit representatives joined Montecito Bank & Trust associates for a twist on the bank’s annual Anniversary Grants reception [Thursday] afternoon, as the 29th Anniversary Grants event was held virtually for the second year in a row. Chairman & CEO, Janet Garufis said, “There is no better way to start our anniversary celebration than by recognizing our associates – the heart of our bank. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, they found ways to volunteer more than 5,000 hours in 2020 serving on boards, teaching financial literacy and helping nonprofit organizations that have provided critical support to the basic needs of our community during this time. I am so proud! Today, we not only celebrate them, we also celebrate the incredible nonprofits that they have hand-selected for this special anniversary tradition.”

Montecito Bank & Trust associates shared their personal connections to the nonprofit recipients, and the lively chatroom banter persisted throughout the event, congratulating and thanking the nonprofits, cheering on fellow associates, and providing a chance for all to reconnect.

Late founder, Michael Towbes, created Montecito Bank & Trust’s Anniversary Grants program in 1993 to celebrate the Bank’s anniversary by giving back. He wanted bank associates to have a say in the direction of the Bank’s corporate giving and to celebrate the exceptional volunteer service they give back to Central Coast communities.

Jerry Parent and Mike Towbes

All Anniversary Grants recipients were hand-selected by bank associates after they campaigned, rallied and voted for the organizations that mean so much to them. Nonprofit recipients received a check for $2,000 and a short promotional video showcasing each organization’s extraordinary work.

For the second year, the Jerry Parent Anniversary Grants Legacy Award was presented to an organization that made a significant and sustainable impact on our community. Join us in congratulating Family Service Agency.  

Please join us in celebrating the 2021 Anniversary Grants Recipients:

• Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo
• Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Barbara County
• Foodbank of Santa Barbara
• Hillside House
• Rich at Heart
• Salvation Army/Santa Barbara Corps
• Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society/Dog Adoption Welfare Group (DAWG)
• Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program
• Solid Foundations
• The Grace Fisher Foundation

To watch a video of each Anniversary Grant promotional video, visit montecito.bank/AnniversaryGrants.