BankFive gave a surprise donation of $25,000 to the Veterans Association of Bristol County (VABC) in Fall River at the Bank’s third annual Flagpole Ceremony on Friday. The donation will support the VABC’s growth in recent years. The event, hosted ahead of Memorial Day, honored 15 local veterans from the Veterans Association of Bristol County and the Rhode Island Veterans Home, representing service eras from World War II to the Global War on Terrorism.
BankFive’s President and CEO, Anne Tangen, kicked off the ceremony with opening remarks to the honored guests. In addition to the surprise donation, the ceremony featured the National Anthem, a moment of silence, and the laying of a memorial wreath in honor of all who have served.
The donation from the BankFive Foundation aligns with BankFive’s commitment to community involvement to support the growth of Massachusetts and Rhode Island communities. The BankFive Foundation was established in January 2011 in partnership with the SouthCoast Community Foundation. It’s designed to bring about positive change and create a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and communities in need, ranging from educational youth programs to arts and culture to community-based organizations.
“At the SouthCoast Community Foundation, our mission is to unite people, organizations, and resources to strengthen our communities,” said Dr. Melanie Edwards-Tavares, President and CEO of the SouthCoast Community Foundation. “We’re proud to steward the BankFive Foundation Fund and support their commitment to lasting, community-driven impact. This generous gift to the Veterans Association of Bristol County is a powerful example of their values in action.”