A Commitment to Community

tags: Kennedy Krieger Foundation Latest News Inspiring Stories
A group of 11 people of various ages, many wearing purple and one wearing a green Christmas elf costume, pose in front of a group of artificial trees inside a large indoor space, which looks like it might be a convention hall.
Truist employees volunteer at Kennedy Krieger’s Festival of Trees.

For Truist, a community-oriented bank, supporting Kennedy Krieger Institute is a natural extension of its mission.

“It’s fulfilling our purpose, which is to inspire and build better lives and communities,” says Conor Sanders, senior vice president and middle market banker for Truist.

For many years, Truist has been the presenting sponsor of Kennedy Krieger’s annual Festival of Trees, the largest holiday-themed festival of its kind on the East Coast, and the Baltimore region’s unofficial kick-off to the holiday season since 1990. Thanks to Truist, the Festival of Trees continues to be a major community event and the Institute’s primary fundraising effort.

“Our commitment helps Kennedy Krieger bring its mission to life, delivering world-renowned care and education to thousands of children a year,” Conor says. Truist employees also volunteer with Kennedy Krieger, decorating trees and wreaths to be sold at the festival, helping with setup, volunteering at the event, and helping pack up all the decorations once it’s over. They also volunteer with the Institute’s annual spring ROAR for Kids fundraiser.

Santa and Mrs. Claus pose with two girls. All four people are white, and they are standing in an indoor space that looks like it could be a convention hall. Behind them are artificial Christmas trees covered in white lights and artificial snow. Also behind them is a pull-down banner that reads, “2023 SPONSORS,” followed by a list that is not readable in the photo. Behind the banner is a sign that reads, “TRUIST,” with a logo after it.
Truist has been the presenting sponsor
of Kennedy Krieger’s annual Festival of Trees for many years.

Corporate philanthropy emphasizes and reinforces our commitment to the community.” – Conor Sanders

“Our teammates are so generous with their time and enjoy helping organizations that truly make a difference in the community,” says Alexander Bartlett, senior vice president and middle market banking leader for Truist and a member of the Kennedy Krieger Foundation Board of Directors. “Year after year, Truist teammates reaffirm that commitment by volunteering at Kennedy Krieger events.”

Truist also has a business relationship with Kennedy Krieger, serving as the Institute’s primary bank. “When you take a step back and think about our community, banks are simply a reflection of that community’s success,” Conor explains. “Corporate philanthropy is another way to live out our purpose as a community-serving organization.”