WESTFIELD — The Friends of Westfield 350, The City of Westfield, and Westfield Bank are pleased to announce that the Bank has signed on to be the lead sponsor of the City of Westfield’s 350th Anniversary Celebration in 2019.
The City of Westfield was incorporated on May 19, 1669, so May 19, 2019 will represent the 350th anniversary of the City’s founding.
In its role as lead sponsor, Westfield Bank will help underwrite the costs of the community-wide events scheduled to take place beginning with First Night festivities on December 31, 2018 to kick off the 350th anniversary year. First Night festivities will include family-friendly events such as ice sculptures, a ball drop, and fireworks. Planned events for the Anniversary Weekend (May 17-19, 2019) include a pancake breakfast, a bike rodeo, the sixth annual ‘Run Westfield’ 5k walk/run, a special fireworks display, and a community parade.
Thanks to the grassroots fundraising efforts of The Friends of Westfield 350, and the support of Westfield Bank and other civic-minded area businesses, the City of Westfield will not incur any costs related to the anniversary events that are planned.
“Once again Westfield Bank has demonstrated its commitment to the City of Westfield by agreeing to be the lead sponsor of the 350th anniversary of the founding of the City,” said Harry Rock, President of the nonprofit Friends of the Westfield 350.
“The Westfield 350th Committee has been working hard to plan a comprehensive, multi-month celebration for Westfield residents, but funding is necessary to offset the costs of the events. Westfield Bank has shown amazing generosity towards promoting city-wide events over the years and sets the standard when it comes to supporting the citizens of Westfield.”
Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan echoed Mr. Rock’s sentiments.
“Westfield Bank has set the standard for corporate responsibility in Westfield,” said Mayor Sullivan. “President and CEO Jim Hagan, the Bank’s Board of Directors, and its staff are always among the first to respond, whether it be financial or in the form of volunteerism. The Westfield 350th Anniversary Celebration is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate all that this great community has done for us, and I am forever thankful to Westfield Bank for its generosity and to Harry Rock and the countless volunteers who have begun working to ensure our celebration is fun and memorable.”
Westfield Bank President and CEO James Hagan said the opportunity to help underwrite the City’s 350th Anniversary is something the Bank is pleased to do, given the Bank’s longstanding connection to the Whip City.
“Our success is due in large part to the wonderful people and businesses that make this city so great,” said Mr. Hagan. “We’re thrilled to support events that bring people together and boost community pride. Needless to say, Westfield has held a special place in our hearts since our founding in 1853, so we’re proud to lend our support to an event that celebrates the rich history and tradition of this great city.”
For more information about the events planned for the 350th Anniversary, and to learn how you can help support ongoing fundraising events, please visit www.westfield350.org.
