Bank of Nevada Announces $415,000 Donation to Support Nevada Communities Impacted by COVID-19

Bank of Nevada today announced it is committing more than $415,000 to help mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on local communities across Nevada and strengthen those communities as they work to emerge from the crisis.

Contributions in southern Nevada will help address shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders, acquire additional COVID-19 tests and testing equipment, address food insecurity, invest in technology to aid online learning, help businesses avoid layoffs, and provide assistance to some of the most vulnerable in the communities Bank of Nevada serves.

These funds are part of an overall contribution of $2 million from Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE:WAL), the Phoenix-based parent company of Bank of Nevada, for community needs in Nevada, Arizona and California. The $415,000 donation encompasses all support given to organizations within the State of Nevada on behalf of Bank of Nevada and First Independent Bank.

“We are proud to help our community respond to the many challenges caused by COVID-19, and Bank of Nevada wants to make a difference in meeting immediate needs, as well as offering longer-term support for organizations that help strengthen our workforce, provide affordable housing and create economic resilience,” said John Guedry, Division CEO, Bank of Nevada. 

In southern Nevada, funded organizations include:

• The COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, supported by the Nevada COVID-19 Response, Relief and Recovery Task Force in partnership with Nevada Community Foundation. Funding will assist first responders and healthcare providers in support of Nevada’s response, relief and recovery efforts with additional focus on Nevada’s skilled nursing, assisted living and senior housing facilities.
• Workforce Connections - Layoff Aversion Pilot, an initiative, to reimburse small businesses in southern Nevada for a portion of employee wages.
• United Way of Southern Nevada, particularly its support for families and individuals dealing with food insecurity.
• The Public Education Foundation, supporting purchases for online learning devices to benefit students of The Clark County School District, as well as assist in providing training for educators in digital instruction.
• Delivering with Dignity, a program of the Moonridge Foundation, providing restaurant meals delivered by volunteers to home-bound seniors. This donation is made in memory of Fred Meier who recently passed, and is the father of Moonridge Foundation CEO Julie Murray.

“Our communities face unprecedented health and economic challenges from the coronavirus,” said Kenneth Vecchione, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western Alliance Bank. “We are a people-first organization, and that we are able to help others – from firefighters and front-line healthcare workers to small businesses and hungry families who need support right now – is meaningful to all of us.”

The bank’s $2 million commitment also supports longer-term efforts to strengthen communities and create resilience for low- and moderate-income families, including programs to prevent homelessness, provide continuum of care, and bolster affordable housing and economic development.

"It means a great deal to us that Bank of Nevada sees the work United Way of Southern Nevada is doing and the value we are providing to our community and trusts us to distribute these funds to those who are most in need," said Kyle B. Rahn, President & CEO, United Way of Southern Nevada. "We are honored to have their support of our Emergency Assistance and Community Needs Fund to help Southern Nevada's most vulnerable residents.”

"The Public Education Foundation is proud to partner with Bank of Nevada to equip our students with the essential technology they need for distance learning while schools are closed," said Judi Steele, Chief Executive Officer of The Public Education Foundation. "We applaud Bank of Nevada for its continued commitment to Nevada's non-profit organizations in supporting children and families."