See this story at BrooklynDaily.com.
By Joanna DelBuono
Brooklyn Daily
Carroll Gardens
Congratulations to Investors Bank the bank that keeps on investing in the borough. This time the Carroll Gardens branch has a new manager, too, borough native Josephine Bruzzese.
Investors will celebrate the good tidings with a “Crack the Vault” contest, open to Downtowners, age 18 and above, who have a chance to walk away with $5,000 buckaroos — that ain’t candy — when the bank opens on Nov. 23.
Along with all the festivities and contests, Investors will make a donation to the Olivia Boccuzzi Foundation and the Eileen Dugan Senior Center, based on the number of accounts opened at the new branch.
Standing O pal and newbie Josephine Bruzzese has spent her entire working career in banking, and will handle the day-to-day operations and business development at the new branch.
Josephine has truly made the banking rounds, working for 18 years at HSBC Bank, where she started as a teen, five years at Bank of America, and three years at Capital One.
“We all have dreams, and one of things about this bank that I appreciate is its ability to help people realize theirs,” says the executive, a community advocate who also works with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Italian-American Organizations, in addition to volunteering at soup kitchens and other local charities.
“I believe in giving back to the community,” she says.
To cap it all, Josephine is a licensed health insurer and a notary public.
Standing O says, “Congratulations and welcome aboard.”
Investors Bank (431 Court St. between Third and Fourth places in Carroll Gardens; www.myinvestorsbank.com).
Borough Wide
‘Tis the season
Typhoon Haiyan victims have a friend in New Yorkers. The NYCB Family of Banks — including New York Community Bancorp, Inc., and its subsidiaries New York Community Bank and New York Commercial Bank and their eight local divisions — established the NYCB Cares 2013 Philippines Disaster Relief Fund to help out in the aftermath of the calamity that has killed nearly 4,000 people, with another 1,598 reported still missing, at last check.
“Everyone is saddened by the situation,” said Joseph Ficalora, president and CEO of New York Community Bancorp.
Ficalora said the banks would match donations, and proceeds would be sent to the Salvation Army.
Donations can be made at any of the NYCB Family of Bank branches. Find one near you at www.myNYCB.com and www.newyorkcommrcialbank.com.
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The Park Slope Civic Council will host its 19th annual Toys for Tots Holiday Collection, through Jan. 7. The group is requesting new, unwrapped gifts for children ages 2 through 12, including bikes, scooters, skates and clothing.
Drop off donations at St. Saviour’s Parish Hall at Eighth Avenue and Sixth Street; or at Congregation Beth Elohim, Eighth Avenue at Garfield Street on Dec. 14 at 5 pm (at the Jingle Bell Jamboree).
Park Slope Civic Council, www.parkslopeciviccouncil.org/toys-for-tots.
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Operation Christmas Child is underway. Volunteers will make Christmas a reality for needy kids around the world by filling shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, notes of encouragement, and enough good cheer to make Santa happy.
Donate at one of the collection sites below:
Action in Christ International, 157 Leonard St.: Nov. 22, 6 to 8 pm; Nov. 23-24, 1 to 3 pm; and Nov. 25, 6 to 8 pm.
Christian Heritage Church, 1100 E. 42nd St.: Nov. 22, 5 to 7 pm; Nov. 23, 10 am to noon; Nov. 24, 1 to 3 pm; and Nov. 25, 5 to 7 pm.
Greenwood Baptist Church, 461 Sixth St.: Nov. 22, 1 to 6 pm; Nov. 23, 10 am to 6 pm; Nov. 24, 2 to 6 pm; and Nov. 25, 10 am to 3 pm.
Brooklyn Tabernacle, 17 Smith St.: Nov. 22, noon to 3 pm; Nov. 23, 9 am to noon; Nov. 24, 8-11 am; and Nov. 25, 5 to 8 pm.
Operation Christmas Child, [(518) 437–0690 or (800) 567–8580; www.smaritanspurse.org].