South Florida Banking Leaders Unite for Childhood Cancer Cause

In an inspiring act of unity and generosity, three South Florida banking executives set aside their professional rivalries to participate in the 'Kayaking the Keys for Hope' event, raising over $230,000 for the SebastianStrong Foundation. Luis de la Aguilera of U.S. Century Bank, Keith Costello of Locality Bank, and Jose Cueto of Grove Bank & Trust, demonstrated that when it comes to fighting childhood cancer, collaboration outweighs competition.

The SebastianStrong Foundation, named in memory of Sebastian Ortiz who passed away from rhabdomyosarcoma in 2016, has been at the forefront of pediatric cancer research and family support. The foundation has directed more than $4 million in grants towards innovative research, with its total impact exceeding $6 million when including matched funding. This event not only contributed significantly to this cause but also highlighted the critical role of community and corporate leaders in addressing health challenges.

'While our banks may compete, we are united in our commitment to making a difference,' said Luis de la Aguilera, capturing the essence of their participation. The funds raised are dedicated to advancing pediatric cancer research and providing essential support services to families affected by this devastating disease. For more details on the foundation's impactful work, visit https://www.sebastianstrong.org.

This initiative serves as a powerful example of how collective action and corporate social responsibility can lead to meaningful change. The involvement of these banking leaders in such a cause underscores the importance of philanthropy in the corporate world, proving that businesses can play a pivotal role in solving societal issues beyond their immediate interests.