Equest Center highlighted as Bank of America boosts year-round community support

The Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding received a surge of one-day volunteer help from Bank of America employees who support the organization throughout the year as part of an ongoing commitment to nonprofits across West Michigan. 

The annual Day of Giving brings added attention to that work with a coordinated volunteer effort, drawing more than 100 bank workers to sites across the region, including the therapeutic riding facility in Rockford.

Bank of America Grand Rapids Market President Paul Keifer, who stepped into the role earlier this year, says the day reflects a broader pattern of involvement.

“It’s a working equestrian facility. It takes a lot of hands,” Keifer says. “Our associates help with farm work, event preparation, and capacity-building so they can reach more people.”

The partnership also has a direct internal link: Rachel Morass, a Merrill financial adviser, serves as president of the Equest Center’s board of directors.

Helping wide range of  nonprofits

Bank of America employees logged more than 5,100 volunteer hours this year, served on the boards of 77 nonprofits, and supported more than 70 additional organizations through personal giving. 

The Nov. 13 Day of Giving offered a visible milestone to recognize those efforts, followed by a market-wide celebration and a holiday “GIVE” reception in Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids–area organizations receiving support this year included Habitat for Humanity Kent County, Junior Achievement of Michigan Great Lakes, and The Economic Club of Grand Rapids

Alongside the volunteer events, Bank of America announced it has chosen Lakeshore Advantage as its 2025 Neighborhood Builder, an award that includes $50,000 in funding and a year-long national leadership program.

Past recipients include Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) in Holland and the Grand Rapids-based West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

These are two groups that President Jennifer Owens views as strong peers in the region’s community and economic development landscape.

“We’re in really good company, and we’re excited not only about the grant, but also the leadership development that will come from this grant as well,” Owens says.

Long-term plan

The award supports Lakeshore Advantage’s Powering Our Future plan, a five-year strategy to attract and generate 5,000 high-wage jobs in Allegan and Ottawa counties.

Keifer says Lakeshore Advantage was selected because of its regional reach and its ability to expand opportunity.

“Lakeshore Advantage hits the mark because of the breadth of their programming and their commitment to business ownership and workforce development,” he says.

Bank of America has invested nearly $8 million in West Michigan nonprofits over the past decade through grants, sponsorships, and volunteer-driven initiatives. 

“It’s been very eye-opening and very fulfilling,” he says. “The stronger the economy becomes, the more residents benefit from the opportunities that come with that momentum.”