NAPLES, Fla. (September 1, 2022) – Comerica Bank and its philanthropic arm, the Comerica Charitable Foundation, are presenting a series of “gomerica Gratitude” donations to nonprofits across Southwest Florida as a way of honoring and celebrating organizations that raise expectations in the community.
Comerica launched its gomerica Gratitude initiative on June 8 at Whitaker Woods, an affordable home community in Naples being developed by Habitat for Humanity of Collier County. Habitat for Humanity was the first of more than two dozen nonprofits that will receive surprise donations this summer and fall.
“Comerica’s success is dependent upon helping people succeed, and the nonprofits we will be honoring are each bringing about change in the community,” said Comerica Bank Florida Market President Dave Galbreath. “These gomerica Gratitude donations represent an investment in our community and a belief in the organizations’ missions, goals and people to enhance the lives of those living and working in Southwest Florida.”
Donations through gomerica Gratitude will align with the company’s three giving priorities: education, economic and community development, and human services.
Comerica has banking centers across five states, including eight locations in Florida. In Southwest Florida, there is a full-service banking center at 3001 Tamiami Trail North, Site 100, in Naples and the company’s gomerica mobile bank bus, which will be traveling across Southwest Florida to present donations, is based at the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County in East Naples. The gomerica mobile bank bus offers most traditional banking services and features a Banker Connect Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) on the outside of the vehicle.
“Southwest Florida is such a desirable place to live, work and visit, but not everyone has the same experience,” said Adam Lysiak, Comerica’s banking center manager in Naples. “The nonprofits in this area are working tirelessly to ensure that all residents have access to the tools and resources to succeed, and that will be reflected in the organizations we are supporting through gomerica Gratitude.”
The donation to Habitat for Humanity coincides with National Homeownership Month, which each June recognizes the importance of housing and reaffirms the nation’s commitment to ensuring that everyone has a place to call home.
Habitat for Humanity has built more than 2,400 homes in Collier County and is one of the oldest and most successful affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International. The organization builds homes in partnership with families, volunteers and donors, then sells the residences to homeowners with an affordable mortgage.
In April 2022, the median sales price for single-family homes in Collier County was $810,000, a 33.9% increase from the prior year, according to the Naples Area Board of Realtors.
“Affordable homeownership is growing increasingly difficult in affluent communities like Naples, but it’s not impossible,” said Rev. Lisa Lefkow, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Collier County. “Comerica Bank, along with additional businesses and philanthropic organizations, are stepping forward to help families build strength, stability and self-reliance through homeownership.”
Comerica presented its donation at Whitaker Woods, a townhome community under construction in Naples that will accommodate 125 families upon completion.
Future gomerica Gratitude donations will support nonprofit organizations that provide financial education, hunger, employment, housing, business development, mental health counseling and other charitable causes.
About Comerica Bank
Comerica Bank is a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA), a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. In addition to Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be found in Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico. Comerica reported total assets of $86.9 billion as of June 30, 2022.
