BayCoast Bank (http://baycoastbank.com) today announced that the bank recently donated a special framed painting of Dr. Martin Luther King., Jr. along with a commemorative plaque to the Fall River YMCA. The painting, “Ambassador of Peace” by artist Fitzcarmel LaMarre, has played a key role in interactions between the Bank and several area leading not-for-profits.
(L-R): Robert Correia, principal of RPA; Nick Christ, president and CEO, BayCoast Bank; Bill Perkins, People Inc.; Theresa Romanovitch, People Inc.; Matt Malone, Fall River Superintendent of Schools; Fitzcarmel LaMarre, artist; Frank Duffy, executive director, YMCA SouthCoast; James Scherer, president and CEO, YMCA SouthCoast
BayCoast Bank purchased “Ambassador of Peace” at an auction hosted by Resiliency Preparatory Academy (RPA), one of the schools in the Fall River Public School system. This event was held to celebrate the new Community Re-Engagement Center at the Academy, which is operated by People Inc. and was funded in part with a grant from BayCoast Bank. Funds from the BayCoast purchase of the painting helped subsidize RPA’s first prom, which was held at McGovern’s Restaurant in Fall River.
In purchasing the painting, BayCoast Bank was looking to recognize the great work that is done by the faculty at RPA to support their students, according to the bank’s President and CEO Nicholas Christ. (LaMarre is also a teacher at the school and has had an extraordinary impact on his students.)
In looking for a final destination to display this work of art, Christ was hoping to find a location where many could have the opportunity to view and appreciate it. The Fall River YMCA, located on North Main Street, is just two blocks away from Resiliency Preparatory Academy, and offers a wonderful venue for all members of the community to be inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr. and the painting on a daily basis.
An recent unveiling ceremony was attended by Bank officials as well as by representatives of the YMCA, the school district, People Inc. and RPA.
“BayCoast Bank has been proud to partner with the Fall River Schools, and especially RPA and People Inc., to develop the Community Re-engagement Center, which over the past year has provided several effective pathways for their students to graduate not only with a high school degree but also with skills and knowledge to enter the workforce in a variety of careers,” said Christ.
“The unveiling ceremony was a wonderful event, and we are proud of the record of support this painting demonstrates to the greater Fall River community. We are happy to partner with such vital organizations like RPA and People Inc., and glad that this important piece of art can now call another community organization home – the Fall River YMCA.”
About BayCoast Bank
BayCoast Bank is a mutually-owned savings bank chartered in 1851 and headquartered in Swansea, MA. The Bank serves southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with locations in Fall River, New Bedford, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, North Dighton, Fairhaven, Dartmouth, Westport, and Tiverton, RI. BayCoast Bank and its affiliates offer a wide range of financial services for consumers, businesses, non-profits and municipalities. Its affiliates include BayCoast Financial Services, offering stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities and college savings plans; Plimoth Investment Advisors, offering investment management, trust services, and financial planning; Partners Insurance Group, LLC, an independent agency providing automobile, home, life and business coverage through a wide range of insurance companies; and BayCoast Mortgage Company, LLC (formerly known as NFC Mortgage Company, LLC), which offers a wide variety of products including FHA, VA, Conforming Loans and Jumbo Loans in 11 states. Nicholas Christ is the Bank’s President and Chief Executive Officer. For additional information on the Bank or its services, please visit www.BayCoastBank.com or call 508-678-7641.
