Five Star Bank Announces $10,000 Grant to Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes to Support Ovid Community Following Recent Fire
100% of the funding will be used to provide financial support to individuals affected by the January 2025 fire in the village of Ovid
WARSAW, N.Y. – March 3, 2025
Five Star Bank announced that it has provided a $10,000 grant to Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes to provide support by those affected by January 2025 fire in Ovid, NY, which destroyed several buildings and apartments in the heart of the village. 100% of the grant funding will go to individuals affected by the fire.
“As a local community bank, it pains us to see one of the communities we serve, where our customers and employees live and work, suffer such devastation,” said Karla J.L. Gadley, Community Development Director of Five Star Bank. “We recognize that impacts of this fire stretch beyond the block that was destroyed, and that there is a real need for financial support to individuals who have lost housing, jobs and ready access to food as a result of the fire. Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes has done a tremendous job reaching those in need and providing much needed financial assistance and we are proud to be able to support their ongoing work.”
“The outpouring of support we’ve seen since the fire occurred has been inspiring, and we are truly appreciative to Five Star Bank for reaching out to us the day after the fire to offer its support,” said Frank A. Capozzi, Jr., Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes. “Having navigated the first few weeks following the fire and focused on housing placement, employment assistance and addressing affected individuals’ urgent financial needs, we and other organizations now turn our attention to addressing the longer-term impacts that the loss of the community’s sole grocery store will have. Financial contributions like Five Star’s will continue to be vital as we ensure everyone in Ovid has access to affordable, healthy food.”
Since 1982, Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes (“CCFL”) has served Ontario, Seneca and Cayuga counties by providing quality human service programs and by advocating for social justice. The nonprofit has partnered with the United Way of Seneca County and other community organizations to support those affected by the recent fire, including through the collection and distribution of financial support. Community members interested in donating can support the CCFL Ovid Relief Fund by visiting www.catholiccharitiesfl.org.
In addition to providing grant funding, Five Star Bank’s local branch, located at the corner of Main and North Streets, has been collecting non-perishable items to support relief efforts.
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