$1 Million Donation Presented by Montecito Bank and Trust to 184 Nonprofit Groups

184 nonprofit groups have been given a generous holiday gift as the Thanksgiving week begins. They are sharing in a $1 million donation by Montecito Bank and Trust.

It’s the 12th year for the Community Dividends awards luncheon.

The event was held at the Coral Casino in Montecito.

Chairman of the Board Michael Towbes says he has always made it part of the bank’s mission statement to return funds back to the community. To date, this event has contributed a total of $12 million to nonprofits since 2002.

The recipients were nonprofits located in areas ranging from Westlake to Solvang, which is also the region where the bank has branches.

Towbes spoke to those attending about his commitment to corporate philanthropy and volunteerism. He encouraged everyone to keep that effort going throughout the community and hopes other companies will also “step up to the plate” with donations, throughout the year.

Bank President Janet Garufis said the loyalty of customers “makes this possible.”

As she asked bank representatives to distribute the donation checks to all the nonprofits attending, Garufis said, “I congratulate all of you.”