Fifth Third Gives Families a College Savings Head Start

Fifth Third recognizes the burden that the cost of education can put on parents – whether it is a college program, vocational or trade school – and has once again provided a savings boost for future education. 115 babies in Northeast Ohio and Tampa Bay who were born on “Fifth Third Day” (5/3 on the calendar) received a gift of $1,053 to be put toward a 529 savings account.

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Fifth Third regional presidents and local celebrities greeted new moms and dads in select Tampa and Cleveland area hospitals, and presented the college savings gift, along with a care package that includes gift cards, a onesie, beanie and bib. (Photo: Business Wire)

“It was an exciting day to welcome newborns and provide their families with an opportunity to impact their child’s future,” said Tom Partridge, Fifth Third’s Northern Ohio regional president. “We know these contributions will make a big difference and give them a head start on saving.”

Fifth Third regional presidents Tom Partridge and Cary Putrino, Cleveland resident and TNT Sports sideline reporter Allie LaForce and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Will Gholston, K.J. Britt and YaYa Diaby greeted the new moms and dads and presented the college savings gift, along with a care package that includes gift cards, a onesie, beanie and bib.

“It was an honor to welcome the newest members of our community on a day that is near and dear to Fifth Third,” said Cary Putrino, regional president of North Florida for Fifth Third Bank. “Finding ways to strengthen families and communities is core to what we do, and I can’t think of a better way to support parents and children than helping them start saving for their future education.”

Fifth Third partnered with 22 hospitals across Northeast Ohio and Tampa to present the 529 gifts to parents. Fifth Third also provided goodie bags to the nurses at these hospitals to show appreciation for all they do for the moms and babies.

“Fifth Third Day is a special day. It’s my birthday and now my child’s birthday, too,” said a new father, Rob, whose baby was born at MetroHealth in Cleveland, Ohio. “Receiving this gift is a great start for the future.”

Mariangely Hernandez, mother to a baby girl who was born on May 3 at AdventHealth Tampa added, "Every parent dreams that their child has this start.”

Since Fifth Third Day in 2017, the Bank has gifted more than 600 babies with $1,053 to go toward any 529 college savings account, in partnership with the Gift of College in recent years.