The First Bank of Greenwich is known for its strong support of local nonprofits, especially organizations with important missions, such as Cookie for a Cause, begun by Greenwich High School senior Vihaan Kamath, pictured with Bank President and CEO, Frank Gaudio.
(Ad) Greenwich High School senior Vihaan Kamath has had giving back instilled in him for many years, visiting his grandparents each summer in Mumbai, India.
“Since I was 13, we would fly there for the summer. I would volunteer with my grandmother to distribute school supplies to schools in underserved communities and spend time with kids in hospitals.” he said.
One parent’s story at St. Jude’s Hospital moved Vihaan especially, when describing how a family had to give up their whole life to bring their sick child to Mumbai for treatment.
It was this spirit of selflessness that led him to form Cookie for a Cause.
The First Bank of Greenwich is known for its strong support of local nonprofits, especially organizations with important missions, such as Cookie for a Cause. Whether working with organizations to streamline their banking, offering financial backing, or partnering through the Bank’s Charitable Checking program, The First Bank of Greenwich and its President and CEO, Frank Gaudio, put community first.
Since its inception, teen-led Cookie for a Cause has raised nearly $67,000 for children’s health and education.
Cookie for a Cause
“When I got back, I started baking cookies and selling them to profit those facilities in Mumbai. As the efforts grew, he became an official non-profit, allowing these donations to become tax-deductible.
“After that, we were able to raise $10,000 in those first three weeks,” he said.
Currently, Vihaan has no overhead as his parents generously fund his endeavor, and he bakes all the cookies himself and is a Connecticut-approved Cottage Food Operation.
He has since also partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and become a member of their St. Jude Leadership Society. Donations primarily support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, and Connecticut Foodshare.”
Available cookies include chocolate chip, double chocolate chip, and sugar cookies, with specialty cookies available during the holidays. Vihaan said he learned his baking secrets from some generous Greenwich bakers who shared them with him.
Vihaan said when he first met with Gaudio, he brought him cookies, and said Gaudio mentioned he loves supporting local nonprofits.
“He suggested there would be many events at which I could set up a stall and raise funds,” Vihaan said.
He also noted that as a sponsor, the Bank has been imperative in his mission and also has worked with their banking needs and more.
Jessica Fitzpatrick, The First Bank of Greenwich’s Website & Digital Media Coordinator, said that as a community bank, its mission is to invest in the community.
“One of the most important investments we can make is in the next generation of people who will lead and strengthen our communities and what Vihaan has built with Cookie for a Cause is a wonderful reminder that you don’t have to wait until you’re older to make a difference, you just have to see a need and be willing to do something about it,” Fitzpatrick said.
To learn more about Cookie for a Cause, to place an order, or see how you can help, visit https://www.cookieforacause.org/.