Courtesy photo
CENTRAL COAST — Pacific Western Bank has donated $100,000 to the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund to assist in rebuilding the Santa Barbara and Ventura County communities ravaged by disaster.
The local United Way offices established the fund in December 2017 and later extended it to benefit flood victims. One-hundred percent of the donations will support those in communities affected by the wildfires and flooding.
“As we emerge from this disaster, it is clear that many face significant hurdles in rebuilding their lives,” said Lynda Nahra, Pacific Western Bank Central Coast Regional President. “Our intent is to contribute in a manner that can quickly and efficiently reach those most in need. After much research I am pleased that United Way, through its Thomas Fire and Flood Fund, will best help us achieve our objectives in contributing to the recovery.”
To date, more than $3 million has been raised for the Thomas Fire and Flood Fund.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of Pacific Western Bank and so many others, as well as by their drive to help the thousands who have been hurt,” said Steve Ortiz, United Way of Santa Barbara County President & CEO, and Eric Harrison, President & CEO, United Way of Ventura County, in a joint statement. “We’re saddened that so many suffered losses we can never return to them, but we’re committed to helping this community rebuild and continue to thrive.”
Following the beginning of the Thomas Fire, local community partners determined that the United Way organizations, in both counties, are uniquely positioned and qualified to manage the disaster fund, accept contributions, make distributions, promote the fund and provide a report to the community on how the funds were used.
About Pacific Western Bank: Pacific Western Bank is a Los Angeles-based commercial bank with over $25 billion in assets. The Bank has 76 full-service branches located throughout the state of California and one branch in Durham, North Carolina. We provide commercial banking services, including real estate, construction, and commercial loans, and comprehensive deposit and treasury management services to small and medium-sized businesses. We offer additional products and services through their CapitalSource and Square 1 Bank Divisions. Our CapitalSource Division provides cash flow, asset-based, equipment and real estate loans and leases and treasury management services to established middle market businesses on a national basis. Our Square 1 Bank Division offers a comprehensive suite of financial services focused on entrepreneurial businesses and their venture capital and private equity investors, with offices located in key innovative hubs across the United States. For more information about PacWest Bancorp, visit www.pacwestbancorp.com, or to learn more about Pacific Western Bank, visit www.pacificwesternbank.com
United Way of Ventura County: In the aftermath of a disaster, United Way’s Ventura County Volunteer Center will serve as an online, call, and walk-in center for spontaneous volunteers. The Volunteer Center will register volunteers and coordinate with the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services to place them where they can do the most good for the community. 2-1-1 Ventura County will also be available 24/7 to register volunteers, answer questions, and connect those in need with the resources to help them.
United Way of Santa Barbara County: United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has the unique and positive vision that “in our community, everyone has a hopeful future.” Since 1923, UWSBC has served Santa Barbara County community through funding, volunteer development, and by utilizing its own unique initiatives that involve dozens of local non-profit and public sector agencies. UWSBC’s local community driven Power of Partnership™ priorities help children, families & seniors with a focus on Education, Income and Health.