Montecito Bank & Trust this week celebrated its 49th anniversary by gathering with 11 local nonprofit representatives at the bank’s annual Anniversary Grants reception.
The bank’s late founder 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 employees to have a voice in the direction of the bank’s corporate giving and to celebrate the exceptional volunteer service they give back to Central Coast communities.
The grant recipients were hand-selected by bank employees after they campaigned, rallied and voted for the organizations that make an impact in their lives and communities. Each recipient was awarded a $3,000 grant and received a short promotional video showcasing each organization’s extraordinary work.
“It is an honor to carry on this tradition each year and to witness the enthusiasm our associates have for the organizations they support,” said Janet Garufis, bank chairman/CEO. “Our associates’ dedication to their communities and desire to make an impact where they live is not only inspiring, but it is also exactly what Michael Towbes hoped would continue through the Anniversary Grants program.
“And, aligning with our expansion into Santa Maria and Oxnard, it was exciting to see that the majority of this year’s recipients serve communities in North Santa Barbara County and Ventura County.”
Five years ago, the bank introduced the Jerry Parent Anniversary Grants Legacy Award to honor the decades-long selfless community contributions of one of the bank’s founders and long-time board director, Jerry Parent.
The award is presented to an organization that makes a significant and sustainable impact on a local community. The organization is nominated by a bank associate and selected by a committee with the input of Parent.
The fifth recipient of the Legacy Award is Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara for the work they do to ensure low-income and other vulnerable residents in Santa Barbara County have equal access to legal services.
Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara also received a $3,000 grant and promotional video. The group will be featured on a commemorative plaque in the Downtown Branch.
The 2024 Anniversary Grants recipients are:
AHA!
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Conejo Valley
Coalition For Family Harmony
Dignity Moves
Family Service Agency
Mosaic Therapy Collective
Neal Taylor Nature Center
Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center
SYV Humane Society | Dog Adoption & Welfare