Washington Trust signs on as Apple Festival’s official sponsor

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When Washington Trust opened its impressive new branch at 1383 Atwood Ave. back in June, Chairman and CEO Joseph J. MarcAurele said: “We are thrilled to expand our presence in Johnston. We are very much looking forward to serving the needs of the residents and business in this great town.”

MarcAurele and other Washington Trust officials recently lived up to that statement – big time – and as the old adage goes, “put their money where their mouth is.”

So much so, in fact, Washington Trust has signed on as the official sponsor of the North Central Chamber of Commerce’s 27th annual Apple Festival, which will be held Saturday and Sunday inside Johnston War Memorial Park.

Washington Trust’s sponsorship, people like Chamber Executive Director Deborah Ramos and other board members will tell you, “speaks highly of the bank’s ongoing community commitment throughout the state, and we are absolutely thrilled to have them as our 2014 sponsor.”

The hard work and energy of Ramos and volunteer committee members has lined up more than 100 vendors, and the weekend’s event is expected to draw as many as 5,000 visitors.

“The North Central Chamber of Commerce has had a wonderful experience in working alongside the Washington Trust Company,” Ramos said. “Especially Dan Orovtiz and his staff – they are truly dedicated to being a major part of this year’s Apple Festival, and together we are destined to have a successful event.”

Ramos also wanted it known that Washington Trust is doing more than just serving as the Apple Festival’s sponsor.

“They’re also sponsoring the apple pie baking contest,” Ramos said. “That’s always one of the festival highlights, and with Washington Trust’s name attached to the competition, we’re sure to have lots and lots of entries and help from their dedicated staff.”

Orovitz and his staff from Washington Trust’s Johnston branch – which was once the famed restaurant known as Place for Ribs – will conduct the baking contest Saturday beginning 1 p.m. on the main stage inside the park. Bakers are wanted, and spectators are welcome.

In a prime example of Washington Trust being, as MarcAurele noted, “part of the Johnston community and playing a role in one of the town’s most celebrate events,” Orovitz headed a special ceremony at the Atwood Avenue branch and presented Ramos a $5,500 check for the bank’s sponsorship.

In addition to Orovitz, who is a Washington Trust vice president/branch manager, others taking part in the ceremony were Louis Manzullo of the Rhode Island General Assembly, Shar DiMaio of the Johnston Historical Society, Donna Sebastianelli of the John E. Fogarty Center, Laurie Langford of Wishes Under Wrap and Ramos.

Orovitz also noted that the bank’s partnership with the Chamber was a natural fit, as the bank and its employees have been recognized both locally and nationally for community service.

Washington Trust, which was founded in 1800, received the National Points of Light Foundation Award for employee volunteerism and both the American Bankers’ Association Award and the Providence Business News Award for community involvement.

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