Bank Of America doles out $450K

Bank of America announced last week that it will give $450,000 to Orange County nonprofits in Costa Mesa and other cities for funding and leadership training.

The bank’s neighborhood excellence initiative has donated $2.7 million to area nonprofits since its 2005 formation.

At an awards ceremony, which took place at Angels Stadium, Bank of America recognized local organizations, heroes and student leaders for neighborhood dedication.

Irvine-based Second Harvest Food Bank was distinguished for its countywide impact on hunger relief.

Residents were acknowledged as well with $5,000 grants to the nonprofits of their choice. Richard Hunsaker of Newport Beach donated his award to HomeAid Orange County, and Liam Kennedy of Irvine gave his to Costa Mesa’s Girls, Inc.

Students who showed passion to change their respective cities were awarded with eight-week paid internships at O.C. nonprofits. The three students were from Tustin, Garden Grove and Anaheim.

“Through our neighborhood excellence initiative, we are helping to generate meaningful and cumulative economic and social impact at the local level where it’s needed most,” Greg Mech, Orange County market president for Bank of America, said in a statement.

—Joanna Clay