The tradition of celebrating Montecito Bank & Trust’s (MB&T) anniversary by honoring local nonprofits selected by the bank’s some 260 associates continued this week with a reception in the bank’s downtown branch. About 110 attended the event.

The bank’s founder the late Michael Towbes started the Anniversary Grants program in 1993 to honor Montecito Bank & Trust’s anniversary by giving back to the community.

He wanted bank associates to have a voice in the direction of the bank’s corporate giving and to celebrate the exceptional volunteer service they provide to Central Coast communities, the bank said.

The annual program is a source of pride among the bank’s associates, as they campaign, rally and vote for the organizations that make an impact on their lives and communities, according to MB&T.

In addition to getting a $3,000 check, each Anniversary Grant recipient received a 1-minute locally produced promotional video showcasing the organization’s work, and the bank provides additional promotion of each organization in the branches and on social media throughout the year.

Janet Garufis, MB&T chair and CEO, told attendees the evening’s event “provides the opportunity to celebrate where we are today, remember what has brought us here and recognize the good work that is happening across our communities everyday thanks to dedicated nonprofit organizations like those here this evening.”

“There will be many more of these anniversaries and celebrations,” Garufis said as the event ended. “On behalf of our associates and our Board of Directors, thank you for joining us in our commitment to make the communities we serve better places to live and work.

“We know that we would not be able to do what we do without each of you and the inspiring work you do.”
 
The Jerry Parent Anniversary Grants Legacy Award was added to the program in 2021 to honor the decades-long selfless community contributions of Parent, a long-time board director.

Presented to an organization that makes a significant and sustainable impact on a local community the awarded organization is nominated by a bank associate and selected by a committee with the input of Parent.

The seventh recipient of the Legacy Award is Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, whose mission is to provide compassionate, affordable and responsive healthcare to all.

Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics also received a $3,000 grant and a promotional video. They will be featured on a commemorative plaque in the Downtown Branch.
 
The 2026 Anniversary Grant recipients are:
 
Angels Foster Care of Santa Barbara
ASAP Cats
Bethania Preschool and After School Program
Breast Cancer Resource Center
Bunny Brigade
Cottage Children’s Medical Center
Cruzin’ For Life
Grace Fisher Foundation
Royal Theater Production
Standing Together to End Sexual Assault
 
To watch a video of each Anniversary Grant promotional video, visit montecito.bank/Anniversary-Grants.