‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ with Montecito Bank & Trust

Montecito Bank & Trust celebrated its 50th anniversary with customers at a reception and a special screening of It’s a Wonderful Life at the Riviera Theatre, with guests bringing canned-goods donations for Unity Shoppe.

SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling welcomed the crowd, reflecting on the film’s message about how small actions can create lasting impact – something he said mirrors the bank’s influence on local nonprofits, including early support that helped stabilize the Film Festival and Michael Towbes’ later gift of the Riviera Theatre. 

Bank Chairman and CEO Janet Garufis shared a warm tribute to Michael Towbes – likening him to George Bailey – and recalled how an 80th-birthday celebration for Towbes themed It’s a Wonderful Life drew a crowd of more than 800 community members. She thanked the community for 50 years of support and invited everyone to enjoy the classic holiday film together.