STATE COLLEGE — Arriving May 10 in a CATA bus painted with a Pink Zone theme, Penn State women’s basketball head coach Coquese Washington and a group of women wearing pink were greeted at Kish Bank on North Atherton Street by the bank’s CEO, Bill Hayes. Hayes then presented Washington with a check for $38,542 for the Pink Zone, the Lady Lions’ nonprofit breast cancer organization.
Kish Bank and its employees, clients and friends have raised $166,000 to support the Pink Zone and fight breast cancer since 2012.
“We are very grateful for the contribution Kish has made to the Pink Zone over the years,” said Washington. “The way Kish employees galvanize to make an impact for this cause is truly inspiring. Pink Zone would not be the powerful organization it is without the support of the community, and Kish shows what our community can really accomplish when people come together and work together to make a difference in the lives of others.”
For Hayes, the Pink Zone is a worthy charity the bank is proud to partner with.
“Pink Zone, in partnership with Lady Lions basketball, is a corporate priority for Kish,” said Hayes. “Funds raised — more than $2 million in Coach Washington’s tenure — benefit area hospitals that serve our clients and employees. We could not be more proud to support this philanthropic effort, which demonstrates Coquese Washington’s and Kish Bank’s shared values in enduring commitment to improve the quality of life in the region.”
Both Hayes and Washington said it was strange at first to see their pictures on the Pink Zone bus.
“I was driving one day and, all of a sudden, I saw my picture on the bus, and I was like, ‘Wow, that is really crazy,’” said Washington. “It takes some getting used to, but if it helps a great cause like the Pink Zone, then it is something I am glad to be a part of.”
