Washington Trust Bancorp Partners with Cal Raleigh to Enhance Community Engagement Initiatives

Washington Trust Bank Teams Up with Cal Raleigh: A Commitment to Community Engagement

Washington Trust Bank, the Northwest's largest privately held full-service bank, announces a three-year partnership with Cal Raleigh, the catcher for the Seattle Mariners, as part of its ongoing commitment to community and regional growth. This collaboration marks the bank's first initiative with a professional athlete and aligns with its strategy to strengthen ties within the Pacific Northwest. Following an impressive season, Raleigh embodies the values of teamwork and community that Washington Trust has upheld for over 120 years, making him an ideal representative for the bank's initiatives. President Kevin Blair expresses enthusiasm for Raleigh's role, emphasizing the significance of fostering relationships and investing in local communities.

The partnership comes at a time when Washington Trust is expanding its footprint, having recently opened new full-service financial centers in Tacoma and Bellingham. As Raleigh engages with residents across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, the bank plans to leverage his influence to promote various community-focused campaigns and events over the next three years. This strategic collaboration not only enhances the bank's visibility in the region but also underscores its commitment to supporting local causes, reflecting the company's long-standing dedication to community service and involvement.

Raleigh himself is excited about this partnership, highlighting the alignment of values between him and Washington Trust Bank. He expresses pride in collaborating with an institution that prioritizes community support, indicating his eagerness to contribute positively to the bank's endeavors. The exclusive nature of this collaboration within the banking sector positions Washington Trust as a forward-thinking institution dedicated to bridging the gap between finance and community engagement.

In addition to its partnership with Raleigh, Washington Trust Bank demonstrates its commitment to community welfare by announcing a $10,000 matching gift to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank for the upcoming WPRI-12's Day of Giving. This initiative aims to double the impact of donations during the holiday season, addressing pressing issues of food insecurity affecting over 84,000 Rhode Islanders monthly. The bank’s Chairman and CEO, Edward O. "Ned" Handy III, emphasizes the critical nature of such support, noting that every contribution can significantly impact local families.

Washington Trust Bank's philanthropy extends beyond the matching gift, with a total commitment of $43,000 in support for the Food Bank throughout 2025. This effort complements the bank's "225 Community Checking" campaign, which celebrates its 225th anniversary by donating to the Food Bank for each new eligible customer. As an institution rooted in community service since 1902, Washington Trust Bank continues to play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for residents in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.