Fleetwood Bank’s Tiger Sculpture Event Draws Community Support and Celebrates 150th Anniversary
Fleetwood Bank recently hosted a Tiger Sculpture Event, inviting members of the community to contribute to a unique project and celebrate the bank’s 150th anniversary. The event was held at Fleetwood Bank’s Executive Offices and Loan Center as part of the borough of Fleetwood’s anniversary festivities, where the bank played a major sponsorship role.
Approximately 150 individuals attended the event, which surpassed the bank’s expectations. To celebrate with the community, the bank provided free ice cream from Angels on Wheels of Topton to the first 100 attendees. However, the bank was pleasantly surprised when these 100 orders were fulfilled within the first hour of the event. Responding quickly, the bank’s team members purchased éclair bars from Boyer’s Market to serve the remaining guests.
The Tiger Sculpture Event exemplified Fleetwood Bank’s commitment to its community as the only independent community bank based in Berks County. It was heartwarming to witness the enthusiasm and excitement of the attendees, who were eager to be part of Fleetwood’s history. The highlight of the event was the opportunity for attendees to add their thumbprints to the cornstalks painted on the tiger sculpture’s legs. Symbolizing the area’s agricultural roots, the cornstalks represent the community’s growth and unity.
Families and individuals from all walks of life participated in the event, capturing special moments with the tiger sculpture. Grandparents and parents proudly brought their children, emphasizing the generational bond and the importance of community heritage. The event truly embodied the spirit of Fleetwood Bank and its dedication to fostering positive connections within the community.
The tiger sculpture is part of the Tiger Nation initiative, which aims to honor the borough’s 150th anniversary by placing life-size tiger sculptures throughout Fleetwood. The Tiger Nation Committee, consisting of Fleetwood Mayor Tammy Gore, Caren Cornman, chair of Tiger Nation, and Fleetwood Area High School art teachers Elaine Hilbert and Annie Shrawder, conducted extensive research to ensure a successful project. The committee drew inspiration from the Bear Fever initiative in Boyertown and consulted with local artists.
Businesses, organizations, and individuals have the opportunity to sponsor these tiger sculptures, contributing to the Friends of Fleetwood Park and promoting collaboration between students, community members, borough officials, artists, and local businesses. Fleetwood Bank is proud to be one of the first businesses to support this incredible initiative, which fosters community pride and unity. The bank hopes that other local businesses will follow suit and help put Fleetwood on the map in a fresh and creative way.
The tiger sculpture sponsored by Fleetwood Bank was painted by Kara Galeassi, an alumna of Fleetwood Area High School who is currently studying art education at Kutztown University. Galeassi worked closely with the bank to design a striking piece that pays homage to Fleetwood’s history. The artwork incorporates the high school mascot, Fleetwood’s Cadillac logo representing the 150-year anniversary, and Fleetwood Public Library, to which the bank recently donated $60,000 for renovation.
The tiger sculpture’s base coat reflects Fleetwood Bank’s brand and features the rolling hills of Berks County and the Fleetwood area, symbolized by the blue arch in the bank’s logo. Additionally, three green lines on the bottom right of the logo represent the area’s farmland. Designed in 2006 when the bank transitioned from First National Bank in Fleetwood to Fleetwood Bank, the logo holds significant meaning and reflects the bank’s deep roots in the community.
Having been part of Fleetwood’s rich history for nearly 120 years, Fleetwood Bank takes great pride in its hometown. As the bank expands across Berks County, it never forgets its humble origins. Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the borough is an honor and a privilege for Fleetwood Bank, and the Tiger Sculpture Event exemplified the bank’s commitment and dedication to its community.
The finished tiger sculpture will be officially unveiled and permanently installed outside of Fleetwood Bank’s Executive Offices and Loan Center on the corner of Main and Franklin streets. The bank will provide updates on social media platforms, so be sure to follow Fleetwood Bank for the latest news and developments.
In conclusion, Fleetwood Bank’s Tiger Sculpture Event successfully brought the community together to celebrate the bank’s 150th anniversary and honor Fleetwood’s history. The event showcased the unity and pride of Fleetwood’s residents, emphasizing the community’s continued growth and bright future. Fleetwood Bank looks forward to continuing its partnership with the community and making a positive impact for many years to come.
