As things are starting to open and we're finally able to venture out and get together, KeyBank is excited to continue giving back to communities through the fourth edition of KeyBank Assists. This time, we've formed a team like no other to join us in our ongoing effort to support the small businesses and families that define our neighborhoods.
Who’s helping?
If you’re here then you are helping, and we want to say thank you! Check out our great team of volunteers giving their support. Be sure to visit their social media pages and see how they are supporting the community.
Linh Phillips
Linh Phillips is the creator behind Sir Rocha Says (sirrochasays.com), a local food and drink blog dedicated to helping others fall in love with Rochester, New York. A self-proclaimed experiential explorer and food lover, Linh loves meeting new people, hearing their stories, and shining a positive light on all things local.
She has been featured on Travel & Leisure and Thrillist Food Groups, and has also led a Tedx Talk. Follow her food adventures on @sirrochasays to keep up on the latest happenings in the area!
Supporting
Monty Lans and Lila Schonfeld
Monty and Lila are the owners and co-creators of Flights N’ Food. They met in a travel club years ago and fell in love over traveling and food.
One day they decided to make an Instagram dedicated to traveling all over their backyards and all over the world trying some of the most amazing foods they could get their hands on. They have a passion for food, fun, and exploring and sharing it with the world.
Supporting
Chef Tyler Anderson
Chef Tyler was born and raised in Southern California where he began his career in professional kitchens. Tyler has been fortunate to work throughout the country for some of the best chefs in the business. His passions for his craft and locale are evident in his cooking style, which is inspired by simple quality goods and the culinary traditions of New England.
Tyler has been nominated for the James Beard Best Chef Northeast award seven years in a row. He has also been named CT Chef of the Year.
Supporting
Tay Fisher
Tay Fisher, also known as "Firefly," is a former Harlem Globetrotter (2009-2019) who has been to all 50 states and 75 countries, and entertained millions around the world.
He continues to give back to his community with numerous programs to keep kids active and engaged while providing the same opportunities he had growing up.
Supporting
- Tay Fisher's Community Cornerstone
- Food Pantries of the Capital District
Jack Nolan
Jack Nolan retired in May 2021 after completing his 39th year of association with the University of Notre Dame Athletics Department. In his most recent role, Nolan served as the main talent for the video programming on the official Notre Dame Athletics web site (www.UND.com).
The 2020-21 season marked Nolan's 39th year announcing Notre Dame basketball games on either radio or TV, making him one of the longest tenured college basketball announcers in the country.
Supporting
Elyse Levkulich
Elyse is a Pittsburgh-based food influencer who shares local Pittsburgh eating adventures from high-end dining to local hidden gems and everything in between.
Supporting
Matt Park
Voice of the Orange, Matt Park, ’97, joined the Syracuse ISP Sports Network in 2003 and became the play-by-play voice of the football and men’s basketball teams and host of the football (Dino Babers) and men’s basketball (Jim Boeheim) coaches’ shows in July 2004. The native of Chittenango, New York, has also broadcast professional and collegiate baseball since 1996.
Supporting
What has KeyBank Assists accomplished so far?
- More than $875,000 has gone directly to our communities.
- More than 100 charities and 157 small businesses have received support.
- Thousands of families, essential workers and first responders have received gift cards.
- Thousands of meals have been provided, and we’re still going.
What has KeyBank Assists done in the past?
KeyBank Assists was started to help support our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal was to help ease people’s stress and foster happiness any way we could.
It all started when we teamed up with local athletes to thank essential businesses and first responders, support charities, and surprise people picking up takeout with gift cards.
Then we partnered with Robert Irvine and amazing local chefs to surprise and support thousands of families, essential workers and first responders.
Recently, we enlisted the help of Soledad O’Brien and numerous local athletes to give donations, meals and surprise gifts to small businesses and families.
KeyBank supports our communities
