Bridge Capital’s $50K donation benefits 14 organizations in all

In the spirit of Christmas, Bridge Capital LLC donated $50,000 to the First Lady Wella Palacios Foundation yesterday, with a substantial share of the funds benefiting 14 nonprofit organizations in the CNMI.

It was learned during the short handover ceremony at the Office of the Governor on Capital Hill that an estimated 60% of the $50,000 will go to the 14 nonprofit organizations, and members of these organizations, except for one, were present for the donation.

John Baldwin, Bridge Capital’s founder and CEO, was joined by Bridge Capital vice president Bart Jackson and co-CEO Sean Scott, for the presentation of the check to first lady Wella Palacios and Gov. Arnold I. Palacios.

During her remarks, Wella Palacios thanked Bridge Capital for its support and generous donation. “We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to Bridge Capital for their generous donation to the various non-profits under the First Lady Wella Foundation.” she said.

The donations went to the following:

Center for Living Independently, $5,000;

Friends of Joeten Kiyu Public Library, $2,500;

Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, $2,500

Autism Society of the CNMI, $1,000;

Salvation Army, $1,000;

Marianas Alliance of Non-Governmental Organizations, $2,000;

Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, $2,000;

500 Sails, $5,000

Talaya Club, $1,000

Saipan Humane Society, $2,000

Tasi to Table, $1,500

Saipan Senior Advisory Council, $2,500;

American Red Cross-NMI Chapter, $2,500;

NMI Crimestoppers, $2,000

“We are very happy to make these donations and to help. It’s just a wonderful thing to do during the holiday season. Thank you all for all you do for everybody,” said Baldwin.

His message of appreciation to the beneficiaries was echoed by Scott: I think this day belongs to all of you because it’s the work you do every day of the year to make our community better, and we really appreciate your efforts…”

Jackson said that Bridge Capital works closely with the First Lady Wella Foundation on the donation, with about 60% of the funds distributed yesterday and the rest of the money will remain with the foundation for good works and support throughout the year.

Erlinda Naputi of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, who was present to receive the check on behalf of the library’s nonprofit organization, Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, said the donation comes at an opportune time for the library. “Starting today we are celebrating the 32nd anniversary of the library so we have a lineup of activities for the family as a way to give back to the community and, although this donation goes to the Friends of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, they are instrumental in providing for the needs of our operations and activities,” she said.

She said she’s truly grateful to Bridge Capital as it has been one of the library’s biggest monthly supporters and donors. “They are like one of the backbones in our successes of our program and events at the library. …We can’t do it without them, so we want to thank Bridge Capital staff and management. …Part of the success of the library is because of their generosity.”