Peoples Bank Impact Grant Winner Announced
From left to right: Leda the horse, Laura Turner, Alatheia Caretaker/Facility Manager, Stacy Suydam, Peoples Bank Commercial Banking Officer, Amy Smith, Retail District Branch Manager, Dianna Bodin, Peoples Bank Director of Commercial Banking, Michael Machado, Peoples Bank Commercial Market Leader, Amy Collins, Peoples Bank Senior Commercial Loan Assistant, Nancy Grette, Alatheia Co-Founder & Executive Director, Andy Riddell, Peoples Bank Chief Lending Officer, James Coker, Alatheia Volunteer, Solvi the horse
From left to right: Marisa Ellis, Peoples Bank Marketing Director, Kaleb Van Rijswijck, BAAY Artistic Director, Juliette Machado, BAAY Executive Director, Anna Evans, BAAY Development Director, Kamyar Monsef, Peoples Bank Chief Retail Banking Officer, Lisa Hefter, Peoples Bank Chief Operating Officer
Peoples Bank is thrilled to announce the winners of their 2024 Impact Grant. Alatheia Therapeutic Riding Center was awarded $25,000 and Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth (BAAY) won the $10,000 Peoples Choice Grant.
“Our annual Impact Grant program is a great reminder of how many truly deserving organizations are making a difference every day,” said Andy Riddell, Peoples Bank Chief Lending Officer. “We were overwhelmed with the number of applications we received this year and thrilled to be able to support such worthy causes.”
Founded in 2011 and based in Wenatchee, Alatheia will use the funds to support their “Strength in Strides” project which impacts underserved children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities in North Central Washington.
“Through this community Impact Grant, Peoples Bank is creating a more supportive, inclusive, and equitable community. Everyone can thrive, regardless of their physical ability, background or financial situation,” says Nancy Grette, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Alatheia Therapeutic Riding Center.
An additional $10,000 grant was also awarded through an online voting process between 10 non-profit finalists. The winner, Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth, will be using the funds to purchase a new modular stage to accommodate a variety of different programs and needs, including better access for mobility impaired students and will allow staff to transport the stage for off-site or outdoor performances.
“With the help of Peoples Bank, the children we serve will have a safe and durable space to sing, dance and delight audiences for years to come.” says Anna Evans, Development Director at Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth.
The Impact Grant program was launched in 2017 to help fund a specific project, use, or identified purpose that will have a long-lasting, positive impact on the community. Previous winners and their stories can be found here.
About Peoples Bank: Peoples Bank is a locally owned and operated, independent full-service community bank with $2.4 billion in assets. Headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, Peoples Bank has been serving the community for 100 years and operates 23 locations throughout Washington. Reflecting its strong financial management practices, dedicated employees, and long-standing customer relationships, Peoples Bank was awarded a superior five-star rating from BauerFinancial, a leading independent bank rating firm. Learn more about Peoples Bank at www.peoplesbank-wa.com. Member FDIC.