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Sponsored content: Tampa Police Department recognized during Gasparilla for community partnership with Valley National Bank

 
Published Feb. 26, 2018

Every year since 1905, the city of Tampa has hosted the annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest, which takes place along Bayshore Boulevard. The event has become one of the largest parades in the United States and attracts over 300,000 spectators from across the country. Those who attend celebrate the legendary pirate Jose Gaspar, and work to capture beaded necklaces thrown from floats by krewes of community leaders, business owners, and corporate executives. The Gasparilla Pirate Fest is one of the largest economic drivers in Tampa Bay, but it could not be possible without the help of the Tampa Police Department.

The Tampa Police Department's involvement in Gasparilla Pirate Fest can be seen across all areas of the parade – including pre-event logistics, event safety, and neighborhood security. The officers unselfishly ensure that each eventgoer remains safe and secure while they enjoy all that Gasparilla Pirate Fest has to offer. The work of the Tampa Police Department goes largely unrecognized, but at the most recent parade, Valley National Bank made sure that the officers knew just how much the community values their service.

Valley National Bank recognized the Tampa Police Department with a "Pop-up Moment." A Pop-Up Moment is an ongoing effort by the bank to recognize organizations that are actively making positive impact in Tampa Bay. The program looks to surprise identified groups by "Popping-Up" and providing recognition or supplies that will help the organization to continue making an impact in the community. In this particular case, the bank surprised more than 100 officers with coffee and pastries from La Segunda Central Bakery. Each officer was also presented with a $10 Chick-fil-A gift card that could be used for a snack later in the day.

Valley National Bank executives Diane Grenz, Bob Bardusch, Mark Fernandez and Sara Palmer orchestrated the event and personally thanked the officers for their hard work keeping the community safe during Gasparilla.

"Our team was very excited to provide breakfast for the officers the morning of Gasparilla," said Bob Bardusch, Chief Operating Officer of Valley National Bank. "They work hard to ensure the safety of the community and we are happy to do anything we can to help them."

Valley National Bank has been very active in identifying organizations to recognize with its Pop-up Moments. Over the last month, the bank has surprised Academy Prep with chess sets for its nationally ranked chess team, and St. Peter Claver School with whiteboards to be installed in every classroom. The team at Valley National Bank proactively asks each organization for ideas on how it can help prior to popping-up, ensuring that each gets exactly what they need. Keep an eye out for Valley National Bank's next Pop-up Moment; it might be for an organization that you are involved in!

To learn about how Valley National Bank can help you with your financial needs, contact them at www.valleynationalbank.com or 1-800-522-4100.