Fidelity Bank Awards $833,000 to Non-Profits and Educational Institutions Fidelity Bank recently presented several area non-profit organizations and educational institutions with Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) funds totaling $833,000. Here are some of the recipients of some of Fidelity Bank’s latest donations. F.M. Kirby Center Greater Hazelton Partners in Education Wyoming Valley Montessori School Misericordia University WVIA Wilkes-Barre Academy Wyoming Free Library “We are proud to support various community programs that are committed to educational excellence with an eye toward students’ futures,” said Daniel J. Santaniello, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank. “Fidelity Bank is grateful for the opportunity to invest in generations to come through allocating funds through the EITC program.” The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program provides tax credits to eligible businesses contributing to scholarship and educational improvement organizations. In keeping with Fidelity Bank’s commitment to support the communities it serves, the program benefits students in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. Through partnerships between local businesses, parents, and scholarship organizations, EITC funding gives local students opportunities for better educational outcomes.
Fidelity Bank Presents Check to United Way of Lackawanna Wayne & Pike The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is delighted to announce the receipt of a generous donation from Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, demonstrating a commitment to community betterment and collaborative action. The check presentation, marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Fidelity Bank and the United Way in advancing the vital Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Program. Fidelity Bank’s contribution exemplifies its dedication to making a positive impact in the community and supporting organizations that address critical needs. The generous donation through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program will enable the United Way to continue its mission of supporting children within our community. “We are deeply grateful to Fidelity Bank for their continued support and partnership,” said Matt Ceruti, Vice President, Resource Development/Campaign, United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “This contribution will play a crucial role in our efforts to create lasting change and empower children and families in need. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Lackawanna College Receives Donation from Fidelity Bank for Dual Enrollment Program Lackawanna College received a donation of $25,000 from Fidelity Bank. This contribution will support the Dual Enrollment Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, allowing high school students to enroll in college-level courses and earn credits while attending high school. “We know Lackawanna College will take these dollars and put it to work in the programs that benefit our community the most,” President and CEO of Fidelity Bank, Dan Santaniello said. “This is an investment to the future and the future leaders of northeastern Pennsylvania, to get these young students college credits and experience in college level courses.” By making this donation, Fidelity Bank reaffirms its dedication to education, resonating with Lackawanna College’s mission to foster accessible and affordable education to the communities it serves. About the Lackawanna College Dual Enrollment Program Lackawanna College allows local high school students the opportunity to gain a head start on their college careers through Dual Enrollment courses offered within the hours and confines of their high school. Courses are also available through Lackawanna College’s online program, at our main campus in Scranton, or at our satellite centers in Hawley, Hazleton, Sunbury, Towanda, and Tunkhannock. This program is offered to high schools throughout northeastern Pennsylvania on a contractual basis and a reduced cost. About the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program The EITC program is a Pennsylvania tax credit for businesses who donate to an approved nonprofit organization. Lackawanna College is an approved Educational Improvement Organization. Companies contributing to Lackawanna College through EITC can receive significant tax benefits. Approved corporations can receive tax credits equal to 75% of its contribution up to a maximum of $750,000 per taxable year. In photo from left to right: Vice President & Investment Officer William Fennie III, Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank Dan Santaniello and Director of College Advancement Amber Riedinger.
Johnson College Receives Contribution from Fidelity Bank Johnson College received a $5,000 EITC contribution from Fidelity Bank to support students in the College’s Industry Fast Track Program. The Industry Fast Track Program (IFT) is a joint partnership with area school districts and the College. The program offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to simultaneously enroll in secondary and post-secondary coursework on the Johnson College campus. Students remain enrolled full-time at their high school while attending classes at Johnson College. Fidelity Bank’s contribution to Johnson College is part of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Fidelity Bank Commits $250,000 to Marywood EMPOWER Campaign Fidelity Bank has made a $250,000 commitment to The Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion at Marywood University, as part of Marywood’s comprehensive campaign, EMPOWER. Daniel Santaniello, Fidelity Bank CEO, is a Marywood graduate and regional community business leader, who earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1990. Mr. Santaniello, who has contributed his own personal financial support to the EMPOWER campaign, was proud to also guide the major gift from Fidelity Bank. “To be a part of this is inspiring,” said Mr. Santaniello. “The IHM Sisters and Marywood, and their core values, focusing on exemplary ideals like community and excellence, along with their commitment to continuous improvement through lifelong learning, share the core values that we have at Fidelity Bank.” By proactively addressing increasing healthcare workforce shortages that place communities at risk and limit timely access to care, Fidelity’s significant commitment to the EMPOWER Campaign is a key part of the solution, providing vital support to advance Marywood’s ability to expand its healthcare offerings.The Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion is a 15,000 square-foot addition to the existing Keith J. O’Neill Center for Healthy Families. With state-of-the-art simulation laboratories and technology-supported classrooms, Marywood University will be able to teach more health sciences students, who will learn and work together in one facility. This real-world environment will better prepare them to deliver an integrated model of collaborative clinical care after entering practice. “The demand is here today,” Mr. Santaniello affirmed. “The workforce is asking for these professionals. None of us anticipates the demand for healthcare workers will go down anytime soon. In fact, it is going to continue to grow.” He added, “This contribution makes it possible for Marywood to expand and meet the ever-growing demand that exists today. We need to respond in a way that is proactive. We feel that this (campaign initiative) will absolutely help meet that demand.” For more information about EMPOWER: The Campaign for Marywood University, go to: marywood.edu/empower.
Fidelity Bank Makes Multiple Donations In late August, Fidelity Bank donated $50,000 to Marywood University. ($25,000 from Fidelity Bank and $25,000 from the Fidelity D&D Charitable Foundation.) Pictured: Dan Santaniello, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank, Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., President of Marywood University, and Dragan Jokic, Assistant Vice President & Retail Branch Manager of the Dunmore branch. In late July, Fidelity Bank donated $7,500 to Sisters of IHM. ($2,500 from Fidelity Bank and $5,000 from the Fidelity D&D Charitable Foundation) Pictured: Bob Brown, President of Sisters of IHM, Sister Ann Bubser, Executive Director of Sisters of IHM, Dan Santaniello, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank, and Lori Barrett, Vice President & Senior Trust Officer at Fidelity Bank, and also Treasurer of Sisters of IHM. In late July, Fidelity Bank donated $2,500 to the Cody Barrasse Memorial Foundation. Pictured: Dan Santaniello, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank, Lori Barrett, Vice President & Senior Trust Officer at Fidelity Bank and Joseph Barrasse from the Cody Barrasse Memorial Foundation.
Fidelity Bank Rebrands its Wealth Management Division Fidelity Bank, a leading financial institution known for its commitment to providing top-tier financial services, is thrilled to announce the launch of its newly enhanced Wealth Management division. Alongside extending its wealth management services to the Lehigh Valley region, Fidelity Bank has also rebranded this service offering to better align its image with the comprehensive advice and solutions available. The Fidelity Bank Wealth Management team, comprised of seasoned financial experts and strategists, works closely together to create personalized wealth plans for their clients. Through their combined expertise, the team delivers a wide range of financial services, including investment management, trust and estate planning, private banking, endowment and foundation planning, as well as brokerage services. Fidelity Bank’s Director of Wealth Management, Nick Parise, expressed enthusiasm about this new venture. “The launch of our enhanced Wealth Management division underscores Fidelity Bank’s commitment to delivering exceptional financial services to our clients. “We recognize that financial success means different things to different people, and our dedicated team is poised to help our clients turn their financial goals into reality,” shared Parise. Central to Fidelity Bank Wealth Management’s services is the idea of “wealth care,” a philosophy that ensures clients have the right savings, investments, and financial strategies for a comfortable present and secure future. This is achieved by reviewing a client’s overall financial landscape, pinpointing specific needs and objectives, and implementing strategies to optimize and safeguard their wealth for the long term.
FNCB Bank and Fidelity Bank Balloon Battle Raises Money for Charity FNCB Bank and Fidelity Bank, two local community banks, along with the city of Dunmore, hosted a “Bankers’ Balloon Battle” to raise funds for charity. The event took place at Dunmore Corners on Thursday, September 7th. Bankers from FNCB Bank and Fidelity Bank donated money for the opportunity to participate in the battle. All in good fun, the organizations splashed their “rival” by wielding nearly 3,000 water balloons into the air. Despite the stormy weather, bankers from both banks made a great showing. Dunmore’s Mayor, Max Conway, served as the emcee of the event. Conway, who was also the judge for the contest, declared a draw – with both banks equally soaked. The event raised nearly $2,600, all of which was donated to Bread Basket of NEPA, a charity that supports 7 local food pantries. Bread Basket of NEPA serves individuals, families, and Veterans across Lackawanna County with the goal of alleviating hunger in our community. “We see this contest as a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together,” shared Daniel J. Santaniello, President and CEO of Fidelity Bank. “Though FNCB Bank is our business competitor, at the end of the day, we all share the like-minded goal of serving our community. This event was a fun and innovative way for us and our friends at FNCB Bank to join forces and help an organization that brings vital services to our area.” “This idea was born when employees from FNCB Bank and Fidelity Bank volunteered together at another great community event, the St. Joseph’s Center Summer Festival,” said Jerry Champi, FNCB Bank President and CEO. “The two teams wanted to come up with a fun way to take advantage of our friendly rivalry while helping those in need in our community. Based on the smiles on everyone’s faces and the donation to Bread Basket of NEPA, it was a great success.”
Scranton Cultural Center Tom Papa Comedy Tour Tom Papa 2023 Comedy Tour March 10 – 7:30 PM Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre With more than 20 years as a stand-up comedian, Tom Papa is one of the top comedic voices in the country finding success in film, TV, radio and podcasts as well as on the live stage. He is a regular guest on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast and the late night TV shows. On May 12, Tom released his second book, “You’re Doing Great!: And Other Reasons To Stay Alive,” a collection of essays on how people really live in modern America and what’s truly good and wonderful about our lives. On February 4, Netflix premiered Tom’s fourth hour-long stand-up special, “Tom Papa: You’re Doing Great!” A hilarious rebuttal to the current cultural feeling of dread, Tom wants viewers to remember that they are doing great; life isn’t perfect, it never will be, and that’s okay. Tom’s new podcast, “Breaking Bread with Tom Papa,” premiered on May 12 and features Tom and his guest for an hour of eating, drinking and enjoying life. Listeners are invited to take a seat at the table as Tom and his guests celebrate the true meaning of breaking bread with insightful, revealing and always funny conversations. Tom is host of the daily Netflix radio show, “What A Joke With Papa And Fortune,” on SiriusXM’s Netflix Channel, airing Mondays through Thursdays from 10:00 AM – Noon ET. To learn more, visit tompapa.com. Tickets range from $42.40 – $64.55 VIP option available for $165.55 Prices include fees. GET TICKETS! Tickets can also be purchased at the SCC’s Fidelity Bank Box Office in person or by phone at (570) 344-1111. Fidelity Bank is proud to support the Scranton Cultural Center and the arts in Northeastern PA!
