Our commitment to community.
Community involvement has always been at the heart of Five Star Bank – and Work of Heart week is a perfect reflection of that commitment. This annual event brings our associates together to partner with local organizations, giving time and energy to causes that make a difference where we live and work.
What started as a one-day event in 2022 has grown into a week-long celebration of service, stretching across our footprint in Western and Central New York. From September 23 to September 27, hundreds of our Five Star and Courier Capital associates joined forces to support a variety of causes that have direct positive impacts on our communities.
A Week of VolunteeringThis year, more than 550 Five Star Bank associates volunteered over 1,500 hours with 43 local organizations.
Throughout the week, we had the opportunity to partner with some amazing organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, YWCA, The Teacher’s Desk, FeedMore WNY, and many more. Together, we helped package meals, organize donations, clean up outdoors, garden, paint, assist with financial literacy, and support the day-to-day operations of our local nonprofits - who are working tirelessly to make our communities a better place.
For many of our associates, these volunteer efforts are a great way to connect with our communities on a personal level, beyond our offices and branches.
“One of the highlights of the year is participating in our annual Work of Heart week. It’s not just about giving back – it’s about being part of something bigger and knowing that the work we’re doing has deep meaning,” shared Maria DeMareo, Training and Employee Relations Supervisor.
Why It Matters
For us at Five Star Bank, community service is a natural extension of our core values – Humble, Empowered, Ambitious, Resilient, and Transparent. Through Work of Heart week, we are able to put these values into action. By dedicating our time and skills to local causes, we not only help those in need but also strengthen the bonds that tie us to our customers, friends, families and neighbors.
“Our community has supported us for over 200 years, and it’s our honor to return that support,” says Five Star Bank President and CEO Martin K. Birmingham. “Work of Heart week is just one of the many ways we demonstrate our values, giving back to the communities we’re proud to serve.”
Looking Forward
As we wrap up another incredible Work of Heart week, we are already looking forward to next year.
In all that we do, we continue to remain focused on finding new and meaningful ways to give back to the communities we call home. As we grow, so does our passion for making a positive impact.
Thank you to everyone who participated and made this year’s Work of Heart week such a success!
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