FISH OF SANCAP Highlights Community Partner Bank of the Islands

FISH OF SANCAP,  the islands ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ social service organization, contributes their success to the number of community partners involved with the organization. Partners are businesses and organizations both on and off island that assist FISH in delivering services and resources to the islands’ residents and workforce. “Partnerships are important to FISH because they expand our network in order to ensure that needs, big or small, are met,” says Maria Espinoza, Executive Director, FISH.

Bank of the Islands, a long-time supporter of FISH, is a valued community partner that assists the organization with critical programs. Throughout the year, the Bank serves as a drop off location for non-perishable food items. During the holidays, they hold drives for both food and gifts so that no need goes unmet. Bank of the Islands graciously allows the FISH team use of their boardroom until the organization’s building is repaired. Greg Blurton, Vice President, Senior Commercial Loan Officer is a FISH board member and representatives from the Bank often volunteer at FISH events to provide support and manpower to the FISH team. The Bank also provides support in the form of event sponsorships and by underwriting of the FISH Impact Report.

In addition to FISH program support, Bank of the Islands offers a ‘we love our islands’ program. The program encourages community awareness of nonprofit island organizations and randomly selects vehicles bearing their decal to choose an island nonprofit to receive a donation from the Bank. “We’re so grateful to have been chosen for donations through the Bank’s program,” says Espinoza. “Bank of the Islands is a true neighbors helping neighbors business.”

FISH partners are small and large businesses or nonprofits in various fields. “Partners allow us to be part of our community and maximize our impact through collaboration. Because of our community partners, we can offer a variety of programs to more individuals by increasing product availability, providing expertise, and offering alternate locations to hold our in-person programs,” continues Espinoza.

Some partners provide food drives while others provide professional services in a reduced or no cost arrangement. All partners help build awareness and advocacy for the FISH organization. “Our island community is truly blessed to have FISH,” said Bank of the Islands V. P. David Lowden. “Beyond its essential food pantry, the broad scope of programs and services FISH offers our neighbors in need is just exemplary. We are big FISH fans at Bank of the Islands!”  If you or your organization is interested in becoming a FISH community partner, please contact Maria Espinoza, Executive Director at 239-472-4775.