U.S. Century Bank Employees Raise Over $50,000 for SebastianStrong
In an extraordinary effort this year, our dedicated team raised over $50,000 for SebastianStrong through a series of engaging and community-building events. A big THANK YOU to our customers, vendors, and employees for their kind support and unwavering trust in the work of the foundation.
Here’s a look at a few of the ways we brought the spirit of giving and unity to life.
Headquarters Breakfast on the Rooftop
We enjoyed an invigorating breakfast at our headquarters' rooftop. The event provided a serene environment for employees to connect over a morning spread while discussing the importance of supporting pediatric cancer research. The rooftop's breathtaking views of Doral and the fresh morning air set a positive tone for our campaign, resulting in generous donations from attendees.
Sunday Sailing Excursion
The Sunday sailing excursion was another highlight of our fundraising efforts. Participants enjoyed a relaxing day on the water, navigating the beautiful local waters and soaking in the coastal views. The event was not only a crowd-pleaser but also a significant contributor to our fundraising total. It fostered a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among sailors, who were united by a common goal — supporting SebastianStrong.
Trivia Challenge
Our trivia challenge brought out the competitive spirit in our employees. With teams battling it out over an array of questions, the event was fun and engaging. The combination of excitement, good-natured competition, and a worthy cause made this event a standout success.
Cutest Pet Contest
The cutest pet contest was an adorable and effective way to garner support. Pet owners from across our company submitted pictures of their furry (or feathery) friends, with donations pouring in as votes. The contest not only raised funds but also brought smiles to all those who participated and voted.
Delightful Dessert Sales
Various dessert sales added a sweet touch to our fundraising campaign:
Arroz con Leche, Crème Brûlée, and Amirah’s Homemade Eish al Saraya - a creamy Arabic dessert topped with pistachios - were all big hits with the staff!
Lunch with HR
Lunch with HR provided a unique opportunity for employees to engage with HR leaders in an informal setting. The event encouraged open dialogue and fostered a greater sense of community within the bank, all while raising funds for a critical cause.
Continuing the Fight with Kayak the Keys for Hope
Our efforts culminated in the annual Kayak the Keys for Hope event, where paddlers embarked on a 110-mile journey from Key Largo to Key West. This week-long adventure epitomizes the spirit of SebastianStrong: strength, resilience, and optimism.
Why We Fundraise
We choose to fundraise for SebastianStrong because childhood cancer impacts far too many families. Unlike adult cancer, pediatric cancer includes over 12 major types and 100 subtypes, with treatments that can have severe long-term effects on children. SebastianStrong’s mission aligns with our commitment to making a lasting impact, and we are honored to support such a critical cause. Learn more about why we fundraise.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Our successful fundraising efforts this year are a testament to the dedication of our employees and the generous support from our community. We encourage everyone to join us in this fight against pediatric cancer. Together, we can bring hope to children and families facing this unimaginable challenge and make a lasting impact. Thank you for standing with us and SebastianStrong.
Why We Fundraise for SebastianStrong
U.S. Century Bank is proud to support SebastianStrong and its mission to find targeted and less toxic treatments for pediatric cancers. The organization was founded by the family of Sebastian Ortiz, a local high schooler who sadly lost his battle with cancer at the young age of 16. His courageous fight inspired the community to unite and continue his legacy by funding groundbreaking research for pediatric cancer. U.S. Century Bank is honored to be a part of this important cause and has been actively fundraising for SebastianStrong since 2017.
Kayak the Keys for Hope
One of the ways our bank shows its support is by participating in the annual Kayak the Keys for Hope event. Set to take place May 13-17 this year, this week-long adventure embodies the spirit of SebastianStrong – strength, resilience, and optimism. Paddlers embark on a challenging, yet awe-inspiring 110-mile voyage from Key Largo to Key West, raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research.
Going Beyond Traditional Fundraising
Our involvement with SebastianStrong goes beyond traditional fundraising. During the month-long campaign around Kayak the Keys for Hope, our employees get creative with various activities such as bake sales, Taco Tuesdays, and trivia nights.
The Impact of U.S. Century Bank's Fundraising
The impact of U.S. Century Bank's fundraising for SebastianStrong has been remarkable. In 2023, the paddlers and event sponsors raised over $170,000, with Team U.S. Century Bank contributing $35,000. This is a testament to our dedication to supporting critical research and the passion of our employees.
The Importance of Pediatric Cancer Research
But why does U.S. Century Bank choose to fundraise for SebastianStrong? Childhood cancer is a harsh reality for far too many families, with 1 in 285 children developing cancer before the age of 20. Unlike cancer in adults, pediatric cancer is not just one disease; it encompasses over 12 major types and 100 subtypes. The treatments for children can also have severe long-term effects on their developing bodies. SebastianStrong's mission to fund research and find a cure for pediatric cancer is crucial in improving the lives of these brave little superheroes and their families. Read more about childhood cancer facts.
At U.S. Century Bank, we are committed to making a lasting impact in our community and supporting important causes like pediatric cancer research. We are honored to stand alongside SebastianStrong in their fight against this terrible disease and believe we can make a difference. We encourage our customers and community members to support this worthy cause and help bring hope to children and families facing the unimaginable. Together, we can be a powerful force for change and make a lasting impact in the fight against pediatric cancer.
More Information
For more information on our community involvement and efforts to support causes like SebastianStrong, please visit our Community Involvement page or check out our previous blog post.
HELPING YOU GROW YOUR BUSINESS - BUILD A STRONG FUTURE
Small Business Administration (SBA)
