Farmers & Merchants Bank's 1-Year Anniversary at Laguna Beach with a $20,000 Donation to SchoolPower

Farmers & Merchants Bank Celebrates One-Year Anniversary at Laguna Beach

Recently, Farmers & Merchants Bank (F&M Bank) observed a significant milestone by celebrating the first anniversary of its Laguna Beach branch. This event was not just about commemorating a year of service; it was a heartfelt community gathering, marked by an open house that brought together clients, local residents, and collaborators from nearby businesses. The theme of the celebration, "Get On Board," set the stage for a vibrant evening that combined community spirit with fun activities, featured delicious food options, local art, and engaging interactions.

The atmosphere at the celebration was infused with excitement as guests enjoyed an array of offerings, including a live broadcast from KXFM. One of the creative highlights was a unique surfboard art installation that captivated the interest of attendees. Additionally, a special "Build Your Own Charcuterie" station was available, allowing guests to craft personalized charcuterie boards adorned with F&M Bank branding, which they could take home as keepsakes.

A particularly noteworthy moment during the event was F&M Bank's partnership with SchoolPower, the Laguna Beach Education Foundation. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for students in the Laguna Beach Unified School District. To support their initiatives, F&M Bank CEO Henry Walker publicly announced a remarkable $20,000 matching donation to SchoolPower's live fundraising campaign. This generous contribution is intended to bolster various programs within the school system, encompassing academic enrichment, athletics, arts, and overall student wellness.

Henry Walker shared his sentiments about the event: "This celebration was not only about our first year in Laguna Beach but also about recognizing the relationships that make this community unique. Partnering with SchoolPower to support their fundraising efforts for local students has shown us the importance of community connection in everything we do."

The open house welcomed all attendees with an inviting selection of beverages, including coffee, wine, and affogato, alongside a delightful range of hors d'oeuvres. The stunning backdrop of the Laguna Beach coastline added to the evening's charm, inviting guests to mingle and enjoy each other's company in a picturesque setting.

In an interactive twist, participants had the opportunity to leave their marks on a Hobie surfboard, which will be displayed in the branch's lobby, symbolizing the enduring connections forged on this celebratory evening.

The event successfully showcased FM Bank's commitment to delivering exceptional service—a hallmark of their operations—while reinforcing their dedication to remaining an integral part of the Laguna Beach community. With a legacy dating back to its founding in 1907, FM Bank's roots began in Long Beach and have expanded to serve multiple locations from San Clemente to Santa Barbara, now comprising 27 branches, alongside its robust online and mobile banking services.

F&M Bank prides itself on offering a range of services, including commercial and small business banking, business loan programs, home loans, and various consumer retail banking products, all while ensuring that their clients receive the highest level of personalized service. As a California state-chartered bank, F&M Bank is FDIC insured and strives to empower its customers through responsible banking and community engagement. Could this event be a foreshadowing of many more collaborations with local organizations in the year ahead?

For more information about the services offered at the Laguna Beach branch or details about FM Bank’s offerings, feel free to visit www.FMB.com.