Bank Commemorates 150 Years of Service in Greater Washington
OLNEY, MARYLAND, APRIL 11, 2018 – In recognition of its 150th anniversary, Sandy Spring Bank announced today the official launch of the Sandy Spring Bank Foundation. The formation of the Sandy Spring Bank Foundation and its charitable work builds on the bank’s long-standing commitment to giving back to the local communities served by the bank.
The Foundation celebrated its launch by donating a total of $150,000 to three respected local nonprofit organizations, each receiving $50,000. The organizations are:
- Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland (HFHMM), which helps low-income families build strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable housing
- Inova Sports Medicine Institute (ISMI), which offers cutting-edge diagnosis, treatment, prevention and management strategies for today's youth, athletes and active individuals.
- Martha’s Table, which supports children, families and communities by increasing access to quality education, healthy food and family support.
“At Sandy Spring Bank Foundation, we believe that every person should have the chance for a happy, healthy life. Too many people in our communities struggle for even basic needs and, as a result, lack hope,” said Daniel J. Schrider, President of the Sandy Spring Bank Foundation.
“We believe these significant gifts will allow our partners to make an even more meaningful impact. We will seek to partner with local organizations that are devoted to improving the lives of individuals and families in the communities served by Sandy Spring Bank,” Schrider said. “Our vision is that one day each of our neighbors will have a home, good health and ultimately hope for a brighter tomorrow.”
The three recipient organizations all serve the Greater Washington Region and align with the Foundation’s philanthropic focus: affordable housing, health and wellness, and education and personal growth. Each recipient has a dedicated plan for how the donations will be used.
Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland: Sandy Spring Bank Foundation will serve as a Lead House Sponsor in 2018, allowing HFHMM to purchase its next vacant, distressed property in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The house will be fully rehabbed and sold to an income qualified Habitat homeowner with a no profit 30-year mortgage. In addition to this financial support, Sandy Spring Bank employees will have the opportunity to volunteer on the build site, helping to rehab the home and prepare it for the new owners.
“We value Sandy Spring Bank Foundation’s focus on community and its commitment to balance profit with purpose,” said HFHMM President and CEO John Paukstis. “Through our partnership, we can have an even greater impact by providing affordable housing to a hard-working, low-income family in our local community.”
Inova Sports Medicine Institute: The partnership between ISMI and Sandy Spring Bank Foundation will provide underprivileged youth in Northern Virginia with access to elite sports performance coaching and education. This will include a sports performance camp focusing on functional assessments, nutrition, fitness training and education for 50 children. The program will also fund free baseline concussion testing for 250 children and introduce post-concussion consultation and testing for 100 children.
“Because of the generous support of Sandy Spring Bank Foundation, Inova Sports Medicine Institute will be able to deliver a comprehensive sports performance program for underserved children in our community,” said Robin West, MD, Chairman of Inova Sports Medicine Institute. “Our goal is to instill healthy habits and discipline and light a fire within these children that will lead to a lifetime of higher levels of success and fulfillment.”
Martha’s Table: In the 2018-2019 school year, Sandy Spring Bank Foundation will serve as the Lead Literacy Sponsor for Martha’s Table, helping to fund a full-time Literacy Coach and purchase books and other resources that promote literacy development and continuous learning. The sponsorship comes at a time when Martha's Table is undertaking the boldest change in its history, opening satellite locations in the District of Columbia’s Ward 1 and Ward 8, and expanding its reach by over 40 percent.
“We know that by the age of eight, children begin reading to learn,” said Martha’s Table President and CEO Patty Stonesifer. “At Martha’s Table, we focus on helping our youngest students learn to read to set them up for a lifetime of learning. We are thrilled that Sandy Spring Bank Foundation shares our belief that early literacy is absolutely fundamental to a child's academic success.”
Today’s announcement was made at the bank’s Penn Quarter community office in Washington, D.C. This event is one of many ways Sandy Spring Bank will mark its 150th anniversary with its clients, employees, and community partners throughout the year. Additionally, all Sandy Spring Bank employees have been challenged to log 50 volunteer hours in 2018, with a goal of 50,000 volunteer hours.
For information about the Sandy Spring Bank Foundation, please contact Info@SandySpringBankFoundation.org.