Montecito Bank & Trust Shares $1 Million with Good Causes in the Community

‘Twas the season for giving at the Ninth Annual Montecito Bank & Trust Community Dividends luncheon held recently at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara in the Loggia Room.

The event recognized a $1 million impact that Montecito Bank & Trust bestowed to local nonprofits during these tough economic times and maintains the bank’s important support of corporate philanthropy.

Attendees gathered for a pre-reception at the beautiful cobblestone courtyard adjacent to the Loggia Room, which despite the approaching winter season was still lush with varied hues of foliage.

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Birds swooped overhead from tree to tree as guests mingled below forming new relationships and re-establishing old contacts.

“Helping our communities grow and prosper is the essence of who we are, and it is the patronage and loyalty of our customers who make it possible for us to continue this event,” said Janet Garufis, president and CEO of Montecito Bank & Trust.

Organizations within the region of the bank’s eight offices from Solvang to Westlake Village received funds that were shared among nearly 160 nonprofits, with a new office under construction in Goleta.

“Local nonprofit organizations contribute so much to our quality of life,” said Michael Towbes, founder and board chairman of Montecito Bank & Trust. “We are grateful once again to be able to take a meaningful share of our profits and distribute them to organizations in the communities we serve.”

The luncheon was a celebratory event with lively conversation as guests enjoyed a delicious butter lettuce, endive and watercress salad, slow roasted turkey with apple sage stuffing, cranberry jam and caramelized onion sweet potato pecan mash, asparagus and gravy.

And, in the spirit of autumn and the Thanksgiving holiday, diners delighted in a desert of pumpkin pie and caramel ice cream as Towbes addressed the crowd and explained that many nonprofit organizations are having a difficult time because of the down economy, which is even more reason for the bank to support and give back to the nonprofit sector.

Montecito Bank & Trust was founded in 1975 and is a locally owned community bank with programs such as Community Dividends and Anniversary Grants that provide unique contributions and support to the community.

The bank has succeeded in difficult times, surpassing expectations and the 1 billion mark in assets this year, with even more reason to share in the spirit of the holidays.

“We had a record 300 applicants for grants this year and approved 159 of them,” Towbes said. “As the footprint has expanded so has the need.”

Recipients

— Noozhawk iSociety columnist Melissa Walker can be reached at mwalker@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkSociety, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Become a fan of Noozhawk on Facebook.

Melissa Walker

Sellwild

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