OCEAN BANK EMPLOYEES KICK-OFF
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH AND UNITE TO RAISE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS

Miami, Fla. October 21, 2005 (www.orangebowl.org) – Ocean Bank employees and representatives from the Orange Bowl Foundation recently gathered at Ocean Bank headquarters to kick-off Hispanic Heritage Month and “El Espíritu de la Comunidad” Awards& Scholarship Benefit. The event will take place on the night of October 28th at the beautiful Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Highlighting the Orange Bowl Foundation’s second annual Hispanic benefit is the honoring of El Espíritu de la Comunidad or the Spirit of the Community.

This year’s honorees are:

• Humanitarian – Father Albert R. Cutié, Radio Peace
• Government – Mario Diaz-Balart, Congressman, 25th Congressional District
• Education – Eduardo J. Padrón, President, Miami-Dade College
• Community Organization – Eugenio Hernandez, President, Kiwanis Club of Little Havana
• Corporation – Carlos & Jorge de Cespedes, Pharmed Group

In addition, the Orange Bowl Foundation and Ocean Bank will recognize the winners of the annual Hispanic Scholarship Essay Contest. Along with “El Espíritu de la Comunidad”, the event features a cocktail reception beginning at 7 p.m. preceding an energized program that follows the known Orange Bowl Foundation practice of elegant cuisine, prime location, great entertainment and historic experiences.

“We are again delighted to sponsor this scholarship fundraising event and to work with the Orange Bowl Foundation and the Kiwani's Club of Little Havana to help the youth in our community,” said José A. Concepción, Vice Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Ocean Bank. “All Ocean Bank employees should be proud of supporting this cause. We have embraced education as one of the most important causes in our community and throughout the year we work with many local organizations that are making an impact in South Florida. We are looking forward to a successful event and urge your cooperation in promoting this scholarship fundraiser.”

Prices for tables begin at $1,250 and proceeds from the Benefit will go to the Orange Bowl Foundations Hispanic Scholarship Program. Over the last four years, the Orange Bowl Foundation has donated more than $100,000 to the Kiwanis Scholarship Fund to pay tuition, books and fees for deserving students from South Florida.

Ocean Bank is the largest independent commercial bank headquartered in Florida. Chartered in 1982, the bank operates a network of branches throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties. It has been recognized by several civic organizations for its charitable outreach into the South Florida community. Three times, 1995, 2000 and 2002, Ocean Bank received the “Top Hispanic Business-Community Involvement Award” from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce for their work with the Dade County Public Schools and other projects. Each year, Ocean Bank also contributes to various organizations including the United Way, Liga Contra el Cancer, The Education Fund, March of Dimes, Camillus House and The United Negro College Fund among others.

For more information on Orange Bowl Foundation presents the Ocean Bank “El Espiritu de la Comunidad” Awards & Scholarship Benefit, please contact LaToya Williams, Foundation Coordinator at (305) 341-4728, or at lwilliams@orangebowl.org. Event information can also be found at www.orangebowl.org, the official website of the Orange Bowl Festival.