We are proud to announce that Commencement Bank, of Relay For Life of Tacoma–Puget Sound (Washington), has been named the 2025 Nationwide Corporate Team of the Year as part of the Pat Flynn Spirit of Relay Awards. This honor recognizes a corporate partner that exemplifies leadership, employee engagement, and deep commitment to the American Cancer Society mission.
In just their second year participating as a team, Commencement Bank delivered an extraordinary fundraising performance—raising $42,423, nearly doubling their total from the previous year and earning the distinction of top fundraising team for the event. The team’s success was led by co-captains Sandy Snider and Lucy Tello, with three of the event’s top individual fundraisers coming from their organization, including CEO John Manolides, whose personal fundraising efforts set a powerful example of executive-level engagement.
Beyond fundraising, Commencement Bank is known for fully embracing the Relay mission. The team actively shares ACS resources across their branches, promotes Relay through personal and corporate channels, and consistently shows up as volunteers, advocates, and champions for the cause. From winning “Best Decorated Tent Site” to mobilizing friends, families, and the community, their energy and spirit are felt across every aspect of the event.
Commencement Bank exemplifies what it means to be a true corporate partner—leveraging leadership, culture, and community to drive meaningful impact and embody the very best of the Spirit of Relay.
To view all 2025 Pat Flynn Spirit of Relay Award winners, visit RelayForLife.org/2025awards.