06/06/2023
Citizens, LISC Bring New York Giants for Play 60 Event in Newark
Over 100 Students from Thirteenth Avenue School Participate in Fun-Filled Day of Physical Activities
NEWARK, NJ – Today, Citizens, the official bank of the New York Giants, in partnership with LISC Greater Newark and the New York Giants, held a Play 60 event in Newark with students from the Thirteenth Avenue School in the Fairmount Heights area.
“We’re so excited to be here in Newark, as members of the community, working with our terrific partners to get young people involved with Play 60,” said Danny Lee, SVP, District Sales Manager, Citizens. “Citizens takes pride in supporting the neighborhoods we serve, and this event is a great example of the impact we can have together.”
The event was organized in collaboration with Thirteenth Avenue School and Promise Youth University after-school and summer program to amplify LISC Greater Newark’s Neighbors Helping Neighborhoods (NHN) grant program sponsorship with Citizens. In 2022, Citizens committed $150,000 to LISC in support of community development initiatives in Brooklyn, NY, and Newark. This most recent Play 60 event is a part of that commitment. This funding elevates a shared commitment to neighborhood revitalization and economic resilience in Newark’s West and South ward, particularly the Fairmount Heights and Clinton Hill neighborhoods.
"LISC Greater Newark is thrilled to partner with Citizens and the New York Giants for Play 60,” added Jorge Cruz, LISC Greater Newark Executive Director. “This event promotes a sound reminder for kids to get out and play, all while shining a light on Newark's community revitalization and economic resiliency plans. LISC Newark's Neighbors Helping Neighborhoods participatory grant program and 13th Ave School being one of the 2021 recipients is a solid model of these plans in action."
The event is part of a youth health and wellness campaign promoting active play for 60 minutes every day. The day kicked off with remarks from the representing organizations. Students then enjoyed football, basketball, games on the blacktop and other activities run by New York Giants players who also danced along to music, took photos in a photobooth and signed autographs.
“It’s a great feeling to join two great community partners in Citizens and LISC to make such a memorable day possible for these amazing kids,” said Ethan Medley, Director of Community Relations & Youth Football, New York Giants. “Play 60 is an important message, but it’s a lot of fun too, and I’m sure these kids are shocked that several Giants players showed up at their school to join them in their favorite games. It’s a day that we’ll never forget either, and we’re really appreciative of the staff and students for making it so special.”
About Citizens Financial Group, Inc.
Citizens Financial Group, Inc. is one of the nation’s oldest and largest financial institutions, with $222.3 billion in assets as of March 31, 2023. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Citizens offers a broad range of retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations and institutions. Citizens helps its customers reach their potential by listening to them and by understanding their needs in order to offer tailored advice, ideas and solutions. In Consumer Banking, Citizens provides an integrated experience that includes mobile and online banking, a full-service customer contact center and the convenience of approximately 3,400 ATMs and approximately 1,100 branches in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Consumer Banking products and services include a full range of banking, lending, savings, wealth management and small business offerings. In Commercial Banking, Citizens offers a broad complement of financial products and solutions, including lending and leasing, deposit and treasury management services, foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity risk management solutions, as well as loan syndication, corporate finance, merger and acquisition, and debt and equity capital markets capabilities. More information is available at www.citizensbank.com or visit us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook.
About LISC Greater Newark
Since 1986, Greater Newark LISC has collaborated with community based organizations in Newark and the surrounding region to improve the quality of life for residents and shopkeepers. With support from our affiliates, we have invested more than $386 million dollars in Greater Newark and have contributed to the production of more than 2,600 affordable homes and apartments and more than 820,000 square feet of commercial space.
About the New York Football Giants
A cornerstone franchise of the National Football League, the New York Football Giants began play in 1925. The Giants have won eight championships: 1927, 1934, 1938, 1956, 1986, 1990, 2007 and 2011. After twice winning two titles in five years, the Giants are the only NFL franchise with Super Bowl victories in four consecutive decades. Headquartered at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, N.J., the Giants enter their 99th season of play this fall. For more information, visit www.giants.com.
CONTACTS: Eric Donovan, Citizens, 781.375.0039
Amaris Mitchell, LISC Greater Newark, 646.543.5704
Dion Dargin, New York Giants, 201-691-6319
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