MBT Gives Back

Philanthropy and giving back to the community has been a part of the Montecito Bank & Trust ethos since opening on March 17, 1975. Over the years Montecito Bank & Trust (MBT) has grown from its simple beginnings into a much larger operation, with over 250 associates under its roof. MBT continues to give back each year with over $1.5 million in donations and 5,400 hours volunteered by their staff to local nonprofits, boards, and committees. In 1993, Michael Towbes and the MBT family introduced their Anniversary Grants program. Each year different nonprofits are nominated and voted on by the MBT associates. The 10 winning organizations each receive a check for $2,000.

This year’s award ceremony was held at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum and was particularly important as it marked the 30th anniversary of the Anniversary Grant program. To celebrate the anniversary of anniversaries, it was announced at the podium to extra applause that all organizations would receive a $3,000 check instead of the normal $2,000. It was also the third time they presented the Jerry Parent Anniversary Grants Legacy Award, this time to Alpha Resource Center for its impact on the community. The Montecito Journal congratulates all of the recipients and celebrates their contribution to the community:

Alzheimer’s Association 
C.A.R.E.4Paws 
Channel Islands YMCA 
El Centro SB 
FLAMENCO Santa Barbara 
Free Clinic of Simi Valley 
kidSTREAM 
PATH (People Assisting the Homeless); Santa Barbara Chapter
Santa Barbara Choral Society 
Zaca Center Preschool