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Real cares – Jack And Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation

Jack And Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation

By Shaun P. Merriman

Gateway Bank is proud to support the Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation (JAJF), both monetarily and through employee volunteerism. We believe this organization aligns perfectly with the Bank’s philanthropic mission, and we look forward to its continued success as it strives to raise awareness within our local community.

As a locally owned and managed community bank, Gateway was fortunate enough to have been granted a banking charter in 2008 to serve the Sarasota and Bradenton communities. As a Community Bank, we recognize the invaluable impact the non-profit industry has to our community, so it has been our privilege and honor to have supported many of these organizations since our opening.

Since Gateway’s inception, I have engrained philanthropic efforts into our company culture, leading by example and serving in various key non-profit leadership positions. Gateway employees are encouraged to do the same and are even encouraged to volunteer their time during business hours. Volunteer hours are tracked on a monthly basis, and early on, we noticed a trend. It appeared that most Gateway associates naturally gravitated toward supporting organizations that were health or human services focused. Their personal interest and priorities helped us further refine our focus. Since it would be virtually impossible to support every non-profit request in our area, Gateway decided to focus on those non-profits involved in the areas of Health and Human Services. As such, we believe our mission aligns perfectly with the Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation.

I first met JAJF founder, Jon Albert, several years ago by way of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. At that time, he and his finance, Karen, were planning to relocate to Sarasota from Atlanta after their wedding. I was intrigued with the mission and purpose of JAJF: “To treat families facing the imminent loss of their young Mom or Dad to “WOW! Experiences®,” which are really a “timeout together” for such families to get away from their late-stage cancer to fabulous destinations in order to create cherished, lasting memories… while they still can. I was so impressed with his organization and vision – the only one of its kind – that I was personally moved to introduce Jon to other community leaders in our area in an effort to help with his transition to Sarasota. I believe Gateway Bank is helping to advance the cause of JAJF in our local community.

This national organization treats families from all over the United States. In just nine (9) years, JAJF has been featured by media outlets such as the TODAY Show, CBS News Sunday Morning, and NBC Sunday Night Football. While it’s national presence is growing, there are far too many people here locally that are unaware of the great work JAJF does or the goodwill our local hospitality community is providing to families that are brought here for their “WOW” getaways.

Recently, Gateway Bank hosted an awareness event in our bank lobby to educate local leaders, business professionals, and the local media about JAJF. Nearly 60 people listened as Jon spoke about the history and mission of the organization. Two (2) local families who were recipients of JAJF “Wow! Experiences®” recounted their trips and proudly shared their photo albums with the audience. Local Hotel GM’s, Bruce McDonald (Hyatt Downtown Sarasota) and Jeff Mayers (The Longboat Key Club), spoke to the group about hosting families and coordinating with local restaurants, tourist attractions, photographers, and vendors to create memorable experiences. Shelly Glenn, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer for Florida Cancer Specialists, talked about how JAJF is prescribed as part of patient treatment protocol.

In addition, the new “Sarasota Emerging Leaders Council” was introduced to the crowd. The council was formed this fall and made up of a group of local young professionals who volunteer to raise funds and awareness for JAJF. Monica Miller, Gateway Bank’s Marketing Manager, is leading the group which now consists of 12-15 young professionals from various business organizations throughout our community. They are excited and ready to make a strong impact for JAJF in the coming year. I am delighted that both Monica and Hellen Osorio, Gateway’s Credit Analyst, will be actively involved.

In closing, I am excited about what JAJF has brought to our local community and thrilled that Gateway is a part of the collaboration of businesses helping to fulfill the JAJF mission. Together, we will make a positive impact in our community and bring joy to so many deserving families!

Jack and Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation
3282 Northside Parkway NW, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30327
(404) 537.5253
www.JAJF.org [1]

Shaun Merriman [2]A 29-year banking veteran, Shaun P. Merriman opened Gateway Bank in May 2008 during the most adverse banking climate seen in Southwest Florida in decades. He authored a convincing business plan, managed a $19.5 million capital raise, and assembled a notable board of directors and talented banking staff. Shaun then took the aggressive approach to open three banking centers within the first 12 months of operation. Under Shaun’s leadership, Gateway Bank has grown to over $220 million in total assets and reached sustained profitability in just 31 months of operation. In recognition of the bank’s accomplishments, the bank was awarded the 2012 Small Business of the Year by the Manatee County Chamber of Commerce and the 2014 Small Business of the Year by The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, both of which were the first ever awarded to a bank by those organizations. Shaun P. Merriman, President & CEO Gateway Bank (941) 306.0106 Gateway Bank of Southwest Florida [3]

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