TO FOUR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND INAUGURAL OPEN HEART AWARD
Hagatfia, Guam – As an extension of Giving Tuesday and part of their Give A Little Love holiday campaign, Bank of Guam proudly announces a total donation of $20,000 to four deserving non-profit organizations.
The Holiday Give by Bank of Guam, is an employee-driven initiative, empowering the Bank of Guam Familia to contribute to the community they serve. This year, each selected non-profit will receive $5,000 to support their invaluable work.
The selected non-profits for this year’s Holiday Give are:
• Bake Their Day: Making smiles one cake at a time, Bake Their Day creates birthday cakes for children and young adults in shelters, foster and group homes, and government agencies.
• Chuuk Women’s Council: Established almost 40 years ago, the Chuuk Women’s Council educates and empowers women in Chuuk State, advocating for gender equality and running programs focused on health, education, and environmental issues.
• Guam Animals In Need (GAIN): GAIN, located in Yigo, provides shelter, food, medical attention, and a nurturing environment for animals, working towards creating a safer and more compassionate world for them.
• Harvest House: Since 2009, Harvest House has been helping children and teens on Guam grow physically, socially, mentally, and spiritually by providing a safe haven.
Bank of Guam’s Holiday Give, established in 2017, aims to spread cheer and support during the Christmas season. The Bank’s employees actively participate by nominating and voting for non-profits that connect with them personally and exemplify dedication to the community.
As The People’s Bank, community is at the heart of everything we do. And in the spirit of the season together with our year-round campaign to “Be Kind” and “FindKind,” it brings us joy to recognize, support, and Give A Little Love to Bake Their Day, Chuuk Women’s Council, Guam Animals In Need, and Harvest House for their unwavering commitment to our island communities and those most in need. There are so many worthy organizations, and we’re beyond proud of our employees for selecting organizations whose mission resonates so deeply with many of them. We continue to encourage and remind everyone to Give A Little Love and Spread Kindness all year long. -Joaquin P. L.G. Cook, President and Chief Executive Officer
The Holiday Give was unveiled at Bank of Guam’s Special Giving Tuesday Celebration on December 5th at Capitol Kitchen. The event served as a “Reverse-Give” and celebration, thanking some of the island’s community partners for their contributions and the meaningful impact they make in our island communities throughout the year.
At the event, the inaugural Open Heart Award by Bank of Guam was given to Habibi’s Catering now Habibi’s Mediterranean Delicacies, led by Founder
& Chef Nedal Ouwer and General Manager Leilani Castro. This award honors one community partner or business that embody kindness, compassion and generosity.
It’s been heartwarming to witness Habibi’s journey both as a business and as a contributing member to our island community. We were deeply connected most by Habibi’s purpose and pledge ‘to help whoever you can, wherever you can, and whenever you can.’ They’ve filled so many bellies and so many hearts with their generous spirit, uplifting and inspiring so many in our community along the way. On Giving Tuesday, and all year long, we thank Habibi’s and all our community partners for everything you do. -Lesley-Anne Leon Guerrero, Senior Vice President 1 Chief Experience Officer
Habibi’s has been a beacon of generosity, providing meals before and after Typhoon Mawar – preparing over 30,000 meals across the island to families in need and living in the shelters, first responders, and emergency workers – all while overcoming limited resources and personal challenges. Their story and mission connected with so many in the community, resulting in numerous donations of supplies, food, and volunteers.
Bank of Guam sends their thanks and appreciation to all the non-profits and organizations in attendance including American Cancer Society, Autism Community Together, Bake Their Day, Dededo Mayor’s Office, GTA, Guam Animals In Need (GAIN), Guam Cancer Care, Guam Girl Scouts, Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association, Harvest House, iRecycle, KUAM Careforce, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Todu Guam Foundation, and Victims Advocate Reaching Out (VARO).
Bank of Guam remains committed to supporting and recognizing those who make a positive impact in our community, embodying the true spirit of the holiday season.