Ramsey, N.J. — When a child is diagnosed with cancer or a neurological disease, an entire family’s world changes in an instant. The search for answers, treatments, and hope becomes part of everyday life. Thanks to a generous $10,000 donation from Provident Bank, Hope for Children Research Foundation can continue advancing research into these maladies, while bringing hope to families who face these unimaginable challenges every day.
Receiving the donation on behalf of Hope for Children Research Foundation were Michelle Oates, President; Salvatore Frassetto, Co-Chairman; Bart Oates, Co-Chairman, and two-time Super Bowl champion; and David Green, Board of Advisors member.
Representing Provident Bank were Maura Sullivan, Commercial Real Estate Relationship Manager and Board of Advisors member; Paul Ciancimino, Senior Vice President and Regional Director for the Metro New Jersey/New York Region; and Robert McKee, Commercial Real Estate Team Leader.
The impact of this donation extends far beyond the check. Every year, families caring for children with these diseases face mounting medical expenses, travel costs, specialized treatments, and countless unforeseen challenges. Hope for Children Research Foundation works to ease those burdens while supporting research that advances treatments and offers families renewed optimism for the future.
“This generous gift from Provident Bank is an investment in hope,” said Michelle Oates. “When a family is caring for a child with these diseases, every bit of support matters. Partnerships like this remind parents that they have an entire community standing beside them, believing in brighter days ahead. We are incredibly grateful for Provident Bank’s compassion and generosity.”
Provident Bank has long believed that strong communities are built through meaningful relationships and giving back to organizations that create lasting change. Its support of Hope for Children Research Foundation reflects that commitment, helping extend the foundation’s reach and the services it provides to children and families in need.
“We’re honored to support the Hope for Children Research Foundation and the extraordinary work they do,” said Maura Sullivan, of Provident Bank. “Their mission touches lives in a very real way, and we hope this contribution helps provide comfort, encouragement, and resources to families navigating incredibly difficult circumstances. We are proud to play a small part in helping make a difference.”
Iconic New York Giants player Bart Oates said partnerships with organizations like Provident Bank demonstrate the incredible impact that can be achieved when businesses invest in their communities.
“Hope is created through people who care enough to step forward,” said Oates. “Provident Bank’s generosity will help children and families who are facing some of life’s toughest battles. Donations like this don’t simply fund research—they remind families that they are surrounded by people who believe in them and want to help them succeed.”
Salvatore Frassetto echoed that sentiment, noting that every donation represents another opportunity to change a child’s future.
“When businesses like Provident Bank choose to support our mission, they’re helping us provide more than financial assistance,” Frassetto said. “They’re helping provide hope, encouragement, and the promise that no family has to face these challenges alone.”
The Hope for Children Research Foundation continues to bring together businesses, community leaders, donors, and volunteers who share a common purpose: improving the lives of children affected by pediatric cancer and neurological disease. Every contribution helps the foundation continue supporting families while advancing research that brings the medical community closer to new treatments and better outcomes.
The foundation extends its sincere appreciation to Provident Bank and its leadership for their generosity, compassion, and commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families who need it most.
About Hope for Children Research Foundation
Hope for Children Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting pediatric research, advocacy, and programs that benefit children facing serious medical challenges. For more than 40 years, the foundation has helped advance research aimed at improving treatments and outcomes for children. Over the years, its mission has evolved to also provide support, resources, awareness, and hope to families navigating the challenges that accompany a child’s illness. Through the efforts of donors, volunteers, medical professionals, and community leaders, the foundation continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. Visit www.hopeforchildrenresearch.org.
About Provident Bank
Founded in Jersey City in 1839, Provident Bank is the oldest community-focused financial institution based in New Jersey and is the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS). With assets of $25.20 billion as of March 31, 2026, Provident Bank offers a wide range of customized financial solutions for businesses and consumers with an exceptional customer experience delivered through its convenient network of more than 140 branches across New Jersey and parts of New York and Pennsylvania, via mobile and online banking, and from its customer contact center. The bank also provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company, and insurance services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Provident Protection Plus, Inc. To learn more about Provident Bank, go to www.provident.bank or call our customer contact center at 800.448.7768.