TAMPA – The Fifth Third Foundation today announced a $75,000 philanthropic commitment to help address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Tampa Bay. The funds from the Fifth Third Foundation will be deployed to meet the immediate needs of individuals in the community who seek assistance from Meals on Wheels of Tampa, Metropolitan Ministries and Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA).
“We are making this $75,000 philanthropic commitment to support our community partners who need additional resources to deal with the strain and stress of the increased need,” said Cary Putrino, regional president of Fifth Third Bank. “This pandemic is impacting all segments of the population, especially the most vulnerable members of our communities who may be disproportionately affected by current events.”
Putrino commends the three organizations for their extraordinary commitment and exceptional work to benefit the local community. With the Fifth Third Foundation’s donation, Meals on Wheels will provide additional food and care for Tampa’s vulnerable population of homebound, disabled and elderly neighbors. Metropolitan Ministries will use the donation to provide food assistance, financial assistance and laptops for families with school-age children living on campus or in transitional housing. The funds will enable CASA to provide increased operational support for their domestic violence center and emergency shelter.
“This unexpected donation is a significant help as we continue to find creative ways to fulfill our mission in caring for the vulnerable population we serve,” said Meals on Wheels Executive Director Steve King. “In this difficult time, Fifth Third is a shining example of what it truly means to partner together to care for our community.”
The Tampa Bay donation to the three nonprofits is part of a larger pledge of funding across the state from the $8.75 million commitment that is being funded by the Fifth Third Foundation and the Fifth Third Chicagoland Foundation. The commitment was announced March 20. Among the areas to be funded:
Relief Funds:
• $3.25 million for COVID-19 response needs in the regions served by Fifth Third Bank.
Recovery & Resiliency Funds:
• $5.5 million in Strengthening our Communities Fund grants to support the long-term sustainability of our economy. This includes funding to support small businesses, affordable housing and homeownership, and economic development.
This $8.75 million commitment of philanthropic funds are in addition to actions already taken by Fifth Third Bank to immediately assist customers in the wake of the pandemic. For information, visit www.53.com/covid19.
About the Fifth Third Foundation
Established in 1948, the Fifth Third Foundation was one of the first charitable foundations created by a financial institution. The Fifth Third Foundation supports worthy causes in the areas of health and human services, education, community development and the arts in the states where Fifth Third Bank operates.
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