Bank partners with United Way to help families

FineMark National Bank & Trust is working with Community Cooperative Ministries Inc. and United Way to feed local families who are struggling to afford a nutritious holiday meal this Thanksgiving.

On Thanksgiving Day, FineMark's principal office, located at 12681 Creekside Lane in Fort Myers, will open to welcome local residents in need this holiday and provide a place to enjoy a complimentary Thanksgiving Day dinner with all of the traditional holiday fixings.

"We are very pleased to be hosting this worthwhile event and help people in need in our community," said Joseph R. Catti, president and chief executive officer of FineMark National Bank & Trust. "Giving back to the community and helping people are core values at FineMark National Bank & Trust and stewardship is the foundation of our corporate philosophy."

Families in need who would like to participate in the Thanksgiving meal must call the United Way 211 helpline or 433-3900 to reserve a spot. Registrants will be given a confirmation number, which will also provide them with a specified time that their dinner will be served. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis.

"The United Way and CCMI are thrilled to be working with the people at FineMark National Bank & Trust. They care so much about our community and are always willing to help make our community a better place to live," said Cliff Smith, president of the United Way.

The United Way is working to improve the quality of life for all people in Lee County by coordinating the local human service network and providing resources to United Way supported programs. Last year the United Way raised more than $7.6 million and distributed funds to 70 partners and 160 programs. "This community event will not take the place of our traditional meal we serve at the Soup Kitchen on Thanksgiving Day for the homeless and in need residents of the Dunbar area," said Sarah Owen, executive director of CCMI. "This is a way for us to reach out and extend our services to our community neighbors who are struggling even more this year due to loss of jobs and the economy."

CCMI's Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry provides nutritious meals and groceries to the homeless, seniors, working poor, children and the frail in our community. CCMI serves Fort Myers and the greater Lee County area, including Bonita Springs, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres.

Financial donations to support this event can be dropped off or mailed to the United Way office at 7275 Concourse Drive in Fort Myers. Suitable food donations can be dropped off at CCMI's Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry at 3429 Martin Luther King Blvd.