Pictured above (l. to r.) are Rey Giallongo, executive vice president First County Bank and chairman of the board of directors for United Way of Western Connecticut; Lynn Abramson, chair United Way of Coastal Fairfield County; Katherine Harris, vice president First County Bank Foundation; Kevin Batterton, United Way of Greenwich Business and Professional Division chairman and senior director of BNY Mellon Wealth Management; Richard Taber, CEO First County Bank; and Michael Johnston, CEO of United Way of Western Connecticut, taken at United Way of Western Connecticut’s office located at 62 Palmer’s Hill Rd. in Stamford.
First County Bank Foundation Inc. recently donated $25,000 to United Way agencies located in southwest Connecticut. In addition to the foundation’s donation, First County Bank employees donated $19,474 in 2009 for a total of $44,474. The bank has been providing financial support for United Way agencies in lower Fairfield County for more than 30 years.
“United Way’s activities are helping millions of people enjoy a better life,” said Rey Giallongo, executive vice president at First County Bank. Giallongo also is chairman of the board of directors for United Way of Western Connecticut. “United Way helps children and youths achieve their potential. It promotes financial stability and independence. And it improves people’s health. These are some of the same principles we practice here at the bank and/or sponsor through our First County Bank Foundation. This year’s donation is our way to say ‘thank you’ for the hard work United Way chapters put in every year to benefit the citizens of Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan and Westport.”
“As we’ve already seen, 2010 is going to be a challenging time especially for those people and countries affected by natural disasters. However, in our own backyard of Fairfield County, more and more people are finding it difficult to afford health care, find affordable housing and earn a degree,” explained First County Bank Foundation Vice President Katherine Harris. “These local United Way chapters are going to be stretched to their limits. So it was with great pride that we presented this $44,474 check to United Way to help local chapters continue to support community and economic development for children and families in Fairfield County.”
“First County Bank Foundation and bank employees continue to be extremely supportive partners of United Way,” said Michael Johnston, CEO of United Way of Western Connecticut. ”We are inspired by the bank’s spirit of optimism in our communities and commitment to improve our neighbors’ lives. Their generous contribution will be invested into programs that have demonstrated success in improving lives right here in Fairfield County.”
Established in 2001 in honor of the bank’s 150th anniversary, First County Bank Foundation was created to distribute funds annually to nonprofit organizations that support community and economic development for children and families.
As a mutual bank with no shareholders, the bank considers contributions made by the foundation a means of paying dividends back to the local communities it serves. Through 2009, the foundation has been able to award 343 grants totaling $3.5 million to various community organizations.
About United Way
United Way is a worldwide network in 45 countries and territories, including nearly 1,300 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all, by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. The United Way movement creates long lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of problems that prevent progress in these areas. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way, visit: LIVEUNITED.org.
About First County Bank Foundation Inc.
To be eligible, organizations must have nonprofit tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; be located in one of the six above mentioned towns; have community support; address community needs; have measurable outcomes; and demonstrate fiscal and administrative responsibility. Special consideration will be given to those agencies or programs benefiting low to moderate income populations.
To apply for a First County Bank Foundation grant, applicants should visit www.firstcountybank.com/foundation.htm or their nearest First County Bank branch, fill out the one-page application and submit one completed copy to First County Bank Foundation Inc., attn: K. Harris, 117 Prospect St., Stamford, CT 06901.
First County Bank Foundation does not support the following: individuals, political causes, capital/endowment campaigns, fundraising events, trips/tours/conferences, deficit spending/debt liquidation, religious organizations (unless stated program is for the benefit of the community), private/parochial schools or organizations not open to the public.
About First County Bank
First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, Conn., is an independent mutual community bank with 15 branches in Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk and Westport offering deposit products, mortgages, trust and investment services, business banking services and online banking. First County Bank has assets in excess of $1.2 billion. For additional information, visit www.firstcountybank.com.
