The annual celebration of the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation took place on Tuesday evening at Camp Jabberwocky in Vineyard Haven. The event acknowledged the bank’s community giving for the year, which totaled more than $2.3 million.
The goal of the evening was to recognize nonprofit organizers, educators, students and community partners on the Vineyard and in Falmouth. President and CEO of Martha’s Vineyard Bank, James Anthony, opened with remarks.
“It’s the time of year when we all get together, and we give recognition to the folks that are really doing some wonderful work to benefit everyone who surrounds us, our community and our social fabric, which is I think extremely important,” he said.
The bank gave grants to both individuals and 10 local nonprofits, including $1 million to the Martha’s Vineyard Boys and Girls Club and $500,000 to Harbor Homes of Martha’s Vineyard
Mr. Anthony referenced the bank’s long-standing history in the community, and its dedication to giving back.
“For 117 years, Martha’s Vineyard Bank has been part of the communities of Falmouth and Martha’s Vineyard,” he said. “We’ve grown alongside generations of shopkeepers, business people, community organizers and families.”
Martha’s Vineyard Bank is one of a dozen banks nationwide to earn the title of a Certified B Corporation.
“One hundred per cent of our non-retained earnings go into the foundation and get donated out to local 501(c)(3) nonprofits,” Mr. Anthony said. “It’s a remarkable model, and I think it’s really wonderful to be associated with.”
Mr. Anthony introduced Jennifer Ray, the community engagement director at the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation. She spoke about her work and her appreciation for the local nonprofits.
“Throughout the year, we receive grant applications that tell us about challenges facing our neighbors, but also the creative and thoughtful ways that organizations are solving these problems,” she said.
Ms. Ray invited representatives from the nonprofits to share details about their work.
Lisa Reagan, director of resource development and advancement at the Martha’s Vineyard Boys and Girls Club, took the stage with Brittany Giles Jones, the new executive director at the organization.
“Everyone in this room, and I believe everyone I encounter on this small Island, is touched by the bank’s generosity in some way,” Ms. Reagan said. “At the club, we see it in our employee donations, the backpacks on our kindergartners, the golf balls for our tournaments, our donor-directed checks that keep arriving and your extraordinary grant award to our club that keeps us going.”
This year’s grant to the Boys and Girls Club helped the organization close the final funding gap for its new facility.
“You are ensuring that we are able to provide vital services to 400 families and over 1,000 Islanders each year,” Ms. Reagan said.