Through the company’s C.O.R.E. Program (Community Outreach of Riverside Employees) every 16 hours volunteered by a Riverside Bank employee earns a donation of $100 to any not-for-profit organization of the employee’s choice that they have donated at least one hour of work to. Up to $1,000 can be earned per employee, per organization every calendar year.

“More than ever we are committed to improving our community and helping others to improve their lives,” said Jo-Ann Cicone, vice president for Riverside Bank.  “In 2006, our employees gave over 6,000 hours and in 2007 they raised that amount by over 25% which is simply amazing.”

Through C.O.R.E., Riverside Bank team members are encouraged to give their time and talents to organizations within their communities.

Some of the worthwhile organizations that have benefited from the bank’s C.O.R.E. program include: The American Cancer Society, Ft Myers Soup Kitchen, The Salvation Army, Special Olympics, Junior Achievement, Lee, Sarasota and Collier County Schools, athletic leagues, area blood banks, and many more.

“Our employees can volunteer for any non-profit that does not discriminate,” Cicone added. “Some of our C.O.R.E. Volunteers were already working with their favorite non-profit before we began the program, but many just needed to be encouraged and given permission to become involved in their community.”

“Community service is a core value that encourages each Riverside Bank employee to look for and fulfill the needs in our community,” said Kay Dinardo, Riverside Bank’s Loan Servicing /Department and C.O.R.E. volunteer. “The return is joy in letting us serve and the realization that we are making our community a better place to live. Our hearts are in everything we do and our hearts are open to our community.”

“It is a privilege to help coach kids in little league sports and work with other community volunteers,” added Dean Whicker, Facilities Manager at Riverside Bank.

Riverside Bank has also reached out to the community in other ways. The banks’ cast-iron commercial barbecue grills have traveled all across Southwest Florida feeding hundreds of families and community groups. The grills are available free of charge to any local non-profit group that wants them for a picnic or fundraiser.

Riverside Bank also serves its community through the company’s Hometown Hero Account. This fee-free, interest bearing checking account is designed for “hometown heroes” and features numerous perks and is available exclusively for area police officers, firefighters, hospital volunteers, medical professionals, school teachers and others who serve the community.

Founded in 1997, Riverside Bank has grown to over $600 million in assets over the past year. Riverside Bank currently operates 14 banking centers: in Cape Coral including the company’s headquarters on Santa Barbara Boulevard with additional locations in North Fort Myers, South Fort Myers, Venice, Bradenton, Sarasota, Nokomis, Pine Island and Naples.

In addition to offering personal and business checking and savings accounts, Riverside Bank's services include on-line and ATM banking, personal, home equity, cash management, mortgage and commercial loans, investment services and products from mutual funds to annuities and on-line mortgage applications through WeDoDreams.com. Riverside Bank is a Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.

Collier County                 

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