Santa Barbara, California (August 20, 2021) – American Riviera Bank (OTC Markets: ARBV) announced Friday that it has partnered with Dos Pueblos Little League (DPLL) in an effort to raise funds to replace the shed containing the nonprofit’s pitching machines, field equipment, and other supplies which was destroyed Wednesday in a suspected arson fire at Girsh Park in Goleta.
The Central Coast community bank has pledged to match all donations to Dos Pueblos Little League up to $7,500 in an effort to jumpstart their fundraising efforts and to raise at least half of the estimated $30,000 it will take to replace the structure and equipment.
“As soon as we heard about the loss of the DPLL shed, we knew we had to do something. American Riviera Bank has been a staple in the Goleta community for years, and many of our employees grew up playing ball at our beloved Girsh Park,” said Joanne Funari, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at American Riviera Bank. “They used that very shed to store their equipment. My son played ball there and my husband coached the little league teams there. We love this community and we are honored to help.”
Dos Pueblos Little League has been in operation since 1974. The organization originally played where Camino Real Shopping Center is now located, but moved in 1997 to Girsh Park when the center was built. They have played there ever since and have stored their equipment in a shed in the park.
"While this appears to be a random act of vandalism, DPLL is significantly impacted by the loss of structure and equipment. Fall baseball practices and tournaments held at Girsh are also affected by this fire, but we are going to do our best to replace equipment as soon as possible,” said Jeff Palmer, president of the Dos Pueblos Little League. “We can't thank American Riviera Bank enough for the long standing relationship and support of our program, and the generous offer to match donations."
A fund raising account has been created for Dos Pueblos Little League at American Riviera Bank’s Goleta branch at 5880 Calle Real, but donations may also be made online or at any of the Bank’s other locations.
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