JACKSONVILLE - Wednesday, January 23, Florida Bank Group, Inc. announced a pledge of $100,000 to the MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation at the grand opening celebration of its downtown Jacksonville headquarters and flagship branch. Foundation founder and President, MaliVai Washington and ten of the children who participate in the program attended to receive the gift.

The children were also presented with youth savings accounts at Bank of North Florida in the amount of $100 each, $50 of which was provided by the bank and $50 provided by Washington. More than 200 guests attended the grand opening event.

"On behalf of Bank of North Florida, It is my privilege to present this donation in recognition of the importance of the tireless contribution Mal Washington has made to the youth of Jacksonville," commented President and Chief Executive Officer, J. Stewart Baker. "We are delighted to be associated with his fine organization and it is our intention to support it through volunteer hours and other partnership opportunities as well."

Washington commented, "I am very pleased to begin a relationship with the Bank of North Florida. It is a true community bank headed by local leaders with a deep commitment to helping grow my foundation and changing the lives of children in our community."

The MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation began programs in the Jacksonville area in 1997. The mission of the organization is to utilize tennis as a tool to improve academic performance and positive behavior choices in youth, particularly those from disadvantaged circumstances who otherwise would not be exposed to the sport.

Bank of North Florida is a full-service community bank providing individual consumers and businesses across the Jacksonville market with a wide array of retail and commercial financial services. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Florida Bank Group, Inc.

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