With so many local organizations seeking financial assistance, National City tries to help as many as possible, getting involved in community service programs targeting everything from the arts and education to health and human services.
“In order to have a vibrant community, you need each of these,” says Joanne Clark, vice president of corporate public affairs at National City.
In 2001, National City donated $2.4 million in support of visual and performance art facilities, including sizable donations to the Museum of Natural History’s new planetarium, the Akron Civic Theatre and the Firelands Symphony Orchestra’s outdoor pops concert in Sandusky.
It also gave $5 million to civic-based organizations that promote community housing and preserve historic landmarks, and has assisted several nonprofit agencies with their portfolios.
National City’s support of these programs benefits the entire community.
“It would be hard to find a resident in our six-state footprint who hasn’t been touched by the programs we support,” says David Daberko, chairman and CEO of National City.
The giving at National City goes beyond just corporate contributions; employees donate thousands of hours to nonprofit groups, including United Way’s Day of Caring. National City also matches employee donations up to $1,000.
“If you can raise half the money, we can meet that,” says Amber Garwood, vice president of media relations.
Through a pay deduction program, employees donated more than $1 million to United Way. National City also donated more than $2 million to the Red Cross fund after Sept. 11.
The bank emphasizes that time and money donations are of equal value and importance.
“The joining of financial support and employee volunteerism is a combination that works,” says Phil Rice, president and CEO of National City.
In keeping with its commitment to the community, more than 40 percent of corporate donations assist multiple health centers.
“From affordable housing to help for minority businesses, from educational assistance to support for the arts and health and human services, National City’s efforts make a positive difference,” says Daberko.
