FirstBank donates to Animal Samaritans in honor of ‘CV Giving Day’

'CV Giving Day' is dedicated to raising awareness of local nonprofits and increasing philanthropy in the desert for 24 hours.

On March 5, 2024, you are encouraged to donate during a 24-hour online giving challenge that will generate funding to provide financial support to charities. Early giving is open now through March 5 if you'd prefer to donate now. Check it out and find a cause here.

In honor of the fundraiser, FirstBank partnered with Animal Samaritans to surprise pet owners with free pet adoptions and by waiving some surgery fees.

"We don't have children and it's like family, he's family. Our other dog has malignant melanoma, has had two surgeries here, and the treatment and he should have passed two years ago and he's fine," said Pet Owner, Rod Greaves, whose veterinarian fees were waived by FirstBank. "You can't put a price on family you just can't. Especially when it's your baby."

It's all to encourage people to 'give it forward' to their favorite Coachella Valley nonprofits during the upcoming 'CV Giving Day.'

"The people that are really benefiting are the pet adopters and the pet owners. It's so nice to see the happiness on their face," said Tom Synder with Animal Samaritans.

Recipients hope people throughout the valley continue to donate to organizations like Animal Samaritans.

A spokesperson with FirstBank says they already have 200 local nonprofits signed up that people can donate to.

Last year's inaugural 'CV Giving Day' raised almost $370,000 and this year's fundraiser goal is $600,000.