Inspirational and Innovative Philanthropy at Fifth Third Bank

Fifth Third Bank and United Way have a rich combined history.

 

Company-wide, the bank’s involvement with United Way agencies dates back over 100 years. Last year, Fifth Third Bank Carolinas and Virginia pledged more than $250,000 through employee and corporate donations, including over $165,000 here in United Way of Central Carolinas’ five-county region.

 

“Every year, I’m struck by the commitment of everyone involved with UW,” noted Tom Heiks, Fifth Third’s Regional President for the Carolinas, who serves on United Way’s regional campaign cabinet. “Despite having family obligations and other personal commitments, they demonstrate compassion and care for the community, all year round, and give so much of themselves. It’s inspirational!”

 

For the last 25 years, Fifth Third Bank has celebrated its own philanthropic holiday, 5/3 Day (May 3rd on the calendar), as a chance to give back to their local communities and employees. This year, on 5/3 Day and throughout the month of May, Fifth Third will focus on providing one million meals to food-relief agencies in the communities where they do business.

 

“Like the United Way, Fifth Third is focused on innovative ways to make a positive impact here where we live and work,” added Heiks. One creative approach, for example, has been to involve their partner, Roush Fenway Racing, for the last two years in a joint food drive campaign.

 

In 2016, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the No. 17 Fifth Third Ford in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, and his Roush teammates joined with Fifth Third employees to stuff backpacks and sort food at Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. Leveraging unique social media events and high-octane sweat equity, the two organizations will reunite this May 3 at Second Harvest to again help feed the community.

 

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