Above: First Fed presents a generous charitable donation to the Board and Staff at Centrum in honor of the arts non-profit’s 50th anniversary in Port Townsend. Pictured (front row L-R) Centrum Executive Director Robert Birman, Centrum Board Chair Scott Wilson, First Fed Board Member Norm Tonina, First Fed Port Townsend Branch Manager Luxmi Love; 2nd Row: Walter Parsons, Katy Goodman, Catharine Robinson, Sara Spalding, John Murock; 3rd Row: Kris Easterday, Renee Klein, Leah Mitchell, Robert Alexander, Sam Shoen; 4th Row David Rinn, Jeanie Cardon, Andy Fallat, Malcolm Harris.
An incredible thank you to First Fed, which has provided a $50,000 donation to Centrum in honor of the arts organization’s 50th anniversary and to celebrate 100 years of banking in western Washington.
The funds will go toward Centrum’s programs and for scholarships for participants.
“We take great pride in commemorating the remarkable 50-year journey of Centrum and celebrating their unwavering commitment to delivering world-class creative arts experiences for individuals of all ages, said Cindy Finnie, First Fed board chair. “Their dedication to arts, education and residencies has played a pivotal role in nurturing and enriching the arts in our communities. We are genuinely thrilled to be a part of their ongoing success and to support their inspiring mission.”
The gift was first announced at Centrum’s 50th anniversary gala this summer, when it was part of a record-breaking event which raised more than $275,000 for Centrum’s programs and scholarships. At the event First Fed gave the first of five $10,000 gifts, which will be distributed through 2027.
“We are grateful to be a part of First Fed’s milestone centennial year and that they chose to be a part of our legacy of art and education in Port Townsend,” Centrum Executive Director Robert Birman said. “Making a multi-year gift means a great deal as we plan for the next 50 years of ever-increasing creativity and inclusivity. First Fed’s generosity will fuel our programs and ensure that artists and learners — no matter their financial situation — can be a part of them.”
First Fed’s gift also helped to launch the “Centrum Circle,” a new giving initiative created to mark the organization’s 50th anniversary. First Fed is the first business partner to join the Centrum Circle, which gives recognition to donors who make a commitment of $1,000 or more for the next 3 to 5 years. Members will be included on a donor wall in Centrum’s new headquarters in building 305 at Fort Worden State Park, receive invitations to special thank you events, and more. The generosity of the community—and supporters like First Fed—has made Centrum a vibrant home for the arts for 50 years and is what will help keep it thriving for the next generation.
Giving back to the community is a core value for First Fed. In the past 7 years, it has donated over $8 million to non-profit organizations. In 2022, its employees volunteered over 6,800 hours with non-profit organizations.