Local Nonprofits Benefit from Five Star Bank’s Work of Heart Week
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – October 2, 2025 – Five Star Bank and its affiliate Courier Capital donated more than 1,500 volunteer hours throughout Western and Central New York as part of its fourth annual Work of Heart Week. The company-wide community service initiative continues to grow each year, reflecting the Bank's deepening commitment to the communities it serves.
Greater Rochester-based associates partnered with community organizations such as the Catholic Charities of Rochester, Open Door Mission, and Mt. Hope Cemetery (photo attached), where they raked, cleaned, and helped beautify the outdoor grounds, among other yard maintenance. Additional organizations that were among the more than 20 served in Western New York were Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester, Cameron Community Mission, Avon Food Bank, Humane Society of Yates County, and more.
This year's Work of Heart Week demonstrated the power of collective action to strengthen communities, with nearly 600 associates supporting 50 local organizations across Western and Central New York. The initiative shows how local businesses can play an active role in addressing community needs while fostering a culture of service among their workforce.
"Work of Heart Week has become a cornerstone of who we are as an organization," said Five Star Bank President and CEO Martin K. Birmingham. "Watching our associates bring their passion for service to life each September reinforces why community engagement is so central to our mission. The relationships we've built and the impact we've made in the local communities over these four years continue to inspire us."
The volunteer efforts align with Five Star Bank's core values of being humble, empowered, ambitious, resilient, and transparent, by providing associates with meaningful opportunities to live these principles outside the workplace. From supporting food security initiatives to educational programs, the diverse range of volunteer activities reflects the varied needs within Western and Central New York communities.
"Every year, our associates show up with enthusiasm and heart," Birmingham added. "Their dedication to making a difference reminds us that banking is ultimately about people helping people, whether that's through financial services or rolling up our sleeves to serve our communities directly."
The success of the 2025 Work of Heart Week builds upon three years of growing community engagement, with the bank continuing to expand both the scope of its volunteer efforts and the depth of its nonprofit partnerships.
To learn more about Work of Heart Week and see highlights from this year's volunteer activities, visit FiveStarBank.com.
About Financial Institutions, Inc. and Five Star Bank
Financial Institutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: FISI) is a financial holding company with approximately $6.1 billion in assets as of June 30, 2025, offering banking and wealth management products and services. Its Five Star Bank subsidiary provides consumer and commercial banking and lending services to individuals, municipalities and businesses through banking locations spanning Western and Central New York and a commercial loan production office serving the Mid-Atlantic region. Courier Capital, LLC offers customized investment management, financial planning and consulting services to individuals and families, businesses, institutions, non-profits, and retirement plans. Learn more at Five-StarBank.com.
For additional information contact:
Nina Heard
Corporate Communications
716-512-1536