The Columbia Bank Foundation recently issued a $5,000 grant to Wayne’s Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum as part of the Foundation’s current initiative to partner with local communities and Boards of Education within the Bank’s service area. The grant was used to purchase a new utility vehicle for the Arboretum, whose mission is to maintain an oasis for generations of visitors. The arboretum also contains a Center for Education and a Sensory Garden for those with disabilities.
“We are pleased to partner with Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum,” said Thomas J. Kemly, President and CEO of Columbia Bank. “This utility cart will ease the transportation of supplies and assist in maintaining the beauty of this 30 acre nature preserve.”
Pictured in a special check presentation are (from left) Barbara Schroeder, Vice President - Branch Manager of the Wayne Hills office of Columbia Bank; Linda E. Ransom, President of Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum; Thomas J. Kemly, President and CEO of Columbia Bank, Eddy Lantigua and Felix Fernandez, Head Gardener and Assistant Gardener at Laurelwood Arboretum; Minoska Mateo, Acting Executive Director of the Columbia Bank Foundation; Bonnie Joachim, Chairperson of the Community Outreach Committee of Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum; and Elaine Fogerty, Executive Director of Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum.
The Columbia Bank Foundation was created to serve the needs of local communities, and provide grants and contributions to organizations recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Columbia Bank Foundation actively seeks to provide support in six major areas: affordable housing programs, community investment and economic development opportunities, financial literacy and educational opportunities, health and human services, food pantries, and the arts. Special consideration is always given to programs that provide a measurable community impact.