FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2021
Contact: Elise Roberts
eroberts@naturebridge.org
Sausalito, CA — NatureBridge is honored to be the recipient of a $25,000 gift from Bank of the West for our 50th anniversary celebration. With its most recent donation, Bank of the West has now given over $120,000 to support NatureBridge’s environmental education programs within the national parks.
Since 2003, Bank of the West has been a significant supporter of NatureBridge’s efforts to connect youth to the awe-inspiring power and scientific inquiry of nature. Its gifts have supported three campuses (in Yosemite National Park, Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Olympic National Park). This most recent gift in recognition of NatureBridge’s 50th anniversary will support the reintroduction of students into in-person programs after the Covid-19 pandemic forced their temporary suspension.
“On behalf of Bank of the West, one of the leading sustainable banks in this country, I am proud to serve on the NatureBridge board and support their efforts to build future generations of environmental stewards,” said Michael Pereira, Executive Vice President, Group Head of Wealth Management for Bank of the West, and member of both NatureBridge’s National and Yosemite regional Boards of Directors. “NatureBridge provides a unique opportunity for students to understand the environment, create lifelong memories, and to cherish and respect nature in all its glory.”
Bank of the West’s gift to NatureBridge is part of its Charitable Investments program, which provides funding for “organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life, particularly for low- and moderate-income individuals and communities.” It focuses on organizations across 19 states that provide education and job training, or community and economic development. Bank of the West has also been generous outside of the Charitable Investments program over the course of the pandemic, donating 500,000 facemasks to partner organizations and $1.1 million to five major hospitals around the country.
“Bank of the West has demonstrated incredible leadership, support and engagement over the years,” says NatureBridge President and CEO Phillip Kilbridge. “Michael Pereira is not only a leader in his field; he's a leader at NatureBridge. We are inspired by Bank of the West’s commitment to equity and are grateful for their continued support as we look forward to the next 50 years of connecting students to the wonder and science of the natural world.”
NatureBridge is proud to be among the select organizations that continually receive support from advocates for the protection of our environment such as Bank of the West.
About NatureBridge
Founded in 1971, NatureBridge connects young people to the wonder and science of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of our planet. As the largest residential education partner of the National Park Service, NatureBridge offers programs in national park locations in California, Washington State and Virginia. Prior to the pandemic, the organization served more than 30,000 students each year.
About Bank of the West
At Bank of the West, we know money deposited in a bank has the power to finance positive change. So we are taking action to ensure our activities help protect the planet, improve people's lives, and strengthen communities. We are redefining banking for a better future by focusing on areas where we believe we can have a real impact: supporting energy transition, helping enable women entrepreneurs, and financing innovative start-ups. As the bank for a changing world, Bank of the West is committed to sustainable finance along with our parent company BNP Paribas. Through Digital Channels and offices across the U.S., Bank of the West provides financial tools and resources to more than 2 million individuals, families and businesses.
© 2021 Bank of the West. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Doing business in South Dakota as Bank of the West California.