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By: citybiz
August 4, 2025

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Three South Florida Bank Leaders Paddle for a Cause, Helping Raise More Than $200,000 for Childhood Cancer

In a show of unity and compassion, three South Florida banking executives joined fellow paddlers in trading boardrooms for kayaks, participating in Kayaking the Keys for Hope and collectively helping to raise over $230,000 for the SebastianStrong Foundation and its mission to fight childhood cancer.

Luis de la Aguilera, President, CEO, and Chairman of U.S. Century Bank; Keith Costello, Co-Founder, Chairman, President & CEO of Locality Bank; and Jose Cueto, CEO of Grove Bank & Trust, joined forces on the waters of the Florida Keys to support children and families battling the disease.

Though competitors in the financial sector, the trio demonstrated that community impact transcends business rivalries.

“While our banks may compete, we are united in our commitment to making a difference,” said de la Aguilera. “This journey was about hope, strength, and standing with kids who need us most.”

(L-R) Keith Costello, Locality Bank; Luis de la Aguilera, U.S. Century Bank; Jose Cueto, Grove Bank & Trust

“Participating in Kayaking the Keys for Hope alongside two fellow bank CEOs was an incredibly meaningful experience,” said Cueto. “Coming together in support of SebastianStrong and its mission to fund pediatric cancer research reflects the power of collective leadership and shared purpose. It was a privilege to contribute to a cause that brings hope to children and families facing unimaginable challenges.”

“Locality Bank and I are so proud to support SebastianStrong,” said Costello. “Kayaking the Keys for Hope is a great way to raise money for research and awareness of pediatric cancer. Along with Luis, Jose, and the rest of the kayakers, it was a wonderful experience.”

The funds raised will go toward critical research and support services for pediatric cancer patients and their families.

Luis de la Aguilera and Kayaking the Keys for Hope team

About SebastianStrong Foundation

The SebastianStrong Foundation was created to honor the life of Sebastian Ortiz (2000-2016) and his courageous 14-month battle with rhabdomyosarcoma. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $4 million in grants to fund new and cutting-edge medical research across the country in the hopes of one day eradicating pediatric cancers. This investment has had an overall impact of more than $6 million when accounting for matched and additional funding leveraged by researchers through this seed capital. The Foundation also provides financial support to help children and their families navigate the hardships of a cancer diagnosis. For more information, visit www.sebastianstrong.org.

About U.S. Century Bank

Established in 2002, U.S. Century Bank is one of the largest community banks headquartered in Miami, and one of the largest community banks in the state of Florida. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of USCB Financial Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: USCB) and rated 5-Stars by BauerFinancial, the nation’s leading independent bank rating firm. U.S. Century Bank offers customers a wide range of financial products and services and supports numerous community organizations, including the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and ChamberSouth. For more information or to find a banking center near you, please call (305) 715-5200 or visit www.uscentury.com.

The post Three South Florida Bank Leaders Paddle for a Cause, Helping Raise More Than $200,000 for Childhood Cancer appeared first on citybiz.

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citybiz is a publisher of news and information about business, money, and people - including interviews, questions and answers with thought leaders. citybiz reaches business owners, C-level, senior managers and directors in 20 major U.S. city markets.