BankAtlantic and CBS4’s Neighbors 4 Neighbors Team Up To Bring Holiday Toys and Gifts to Needy Children in South Florida
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. – December 8, 2009 – BankAtlantic, Florida’s Most Convenient Bank, announced today that is has partnered with CBS4’s “Neighbors 4 Neighbors” to bring holiday joy to less fortunate families and children in South Florida. As part of the “Adopt-A-Family” program, BankAtlantic has partnered with Neighbors 4 Neighbors to help hundreds of needy families in our community by providing toys and gift cards to children that would otherwise be without gifts this holiday season.
Over the past seventeen years, nearly 400,000 people have participated in the Neighbor's Adopt-A-Family for the holiday’s program. In 2008, Neighbors 4 Neighbors collected, purchased, and distributed 5,686 presents and $11,000 worth of food and gift certificates for families in our local communities. However, every year the number of families in need increases dramatically.
From now through December 15th, all BankAtlantic locations in Miami-Dade and Broward counties will serve as collection sites for donated toys and gift cards, which in turn will be distributed to families by Neighbors 4 Neighbors.
“These tough economic times sadly affect the children of our community, particularly during the holiday season. However, BankAtlantic and Neighbors 4 Neighbors are committed to putting the wonder of the holidays back in the eyes of children and the spirit of hope in the hearts of those less fortunate this year,” commented Jarett Levan, CEO of BankAtlantic.
You can make the holiday season much brighter for a neighbor this year. Here’s how:
• Visit any BankAtlantic branch in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
• Place your new, unwrapped toys and/or gift cards under the Christmas tree.
(Donations must be received by December 15, 2009.)
“The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, celebrated with family and friends. But for thousands in our community, it is a time of struggle and disappointment. With your help, we can all play an important role in bringing back the magic of the holiday season to the children in our community, create happy holiday memories for another family, and a holiday memory you’ll want to keep as well,” commented Neighbors 4 Neighbors’ Shannon Hori, CBS4's weekday newscast co-anchor.
About Neighbors 4 Neighbors: Neighbors 4 Neighbors is a non-profit organization originally created in 1992 in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew by WFOR-TV, CBS4. Neighbors 4 Neighbors operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization funded through foundation grants, corporate donations and pro bono airtime, staff support and facilities and resources provided by CBS4 and its sister station My33 (formerly UPN33). With the power of television as one of its greatest assets, the organization expanded its services beyond hurricane relief and evolved into one of the most effective vehicles for connecting those in need with those who can help, and has forged strong relationships with community and business leaders willing to tackle difficult issues. Research of local television viewers has proved, year after year, that Neighbors 4 Neighbors is the most identifiable public service campaign in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale market and South Florida viewers respond to it in a remarkable way. To learn more about Neighbors 4 Neighbors or to become involved, call (305) 597-4404, visit http://www.neighbors4neighbors.org/n4n/, or write Neighbors 4 Neighbors, 8900 NW 18th Terrace, Miami, Florida 33172.
About BankAtlantic: BankAtlantic, “Florida’s Most Convenient Bank”, is one of the largest financial institutions headquartered in Florida. Via its broad network of community branches, online banking division -BankAtlantic.com, and conveniently located ATMs, BankAtlantic provides a full line of personal, small business and commercial banking products and services. BankAtlantic is open 7 days a week with extended weekday hours, Free Online Banking & Bill Pay, a 7-Day Customer Service Center and Change Exchange coin counters.
BankAtlantic Bancorp (NYSE: BBX) is a bank holding company and the parent company of BankAtlantic.
Media Relations: Sharon Lyn
Telephone: 954-940-6383
Fax: 954-940-5320
Email: CorpComm@BankAtlanticBancorp.com
Leo Hinkley, Media and Investor Relations Officer
Telephone: (954) 940-5300
Email: InvestorRelations@BankAtlanticBancorp.com
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Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). When used in this release, the word “expect” and similar expressions identify certain of such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein and the Company cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive.
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