Event Honoring Kenneth D. Lewis of Bank of America for Arts and Culture Leadership Raises $1.3 Million
Bank of America is Sponsor of Met's Major Summer Exhibition J. M. W. Turner, On View July 1 – September 1
In recognition of his outstanding leadership in support of the arts and community enrichment, Kenneth D. Lewis, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Bank of America Corporation, was honored at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's 2008 Corporate Benefit on Monday, June 23.
"Bank of America has long been recognized for its innovative programs and exemplary support of art and culture," commented James R. Houghton, Chairman of the Metropolitan Museum's Board of Trustees. "With Ken Lewis at the helm, Bank of America will embark on a ten-year, $2 billion corporate philanthropy goal beginning in 2009. This most generous of companies has been a tremendous source of support to thousands of arts organizations nationwide, many of which are in New York. Its support of arts non-profits in New York is not only visible – such as their partnership with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where Bank of America has sponsored four exhibitions in the past seven years alone, including
J. M. W. Turner, which will open to the public on July 1. But their partnerships also reach into the much-needed areas of funding, such as access, education, and support programs that keep these arts organizations and their offerings vital."
Kenneth Lewis responded: "My belief is that support for important community priorities like the arts should be steadfast, especially in times like these. It is easy to give when times are good, profits are up, and the economy is strong. It is when the future is less certain that we demonstrate the depth of our commitment."
At the benefit, actress Laura Linney – who is currently starring on Broadway in the Roundabout Theatre Company's production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses – introduced Mr. Lewis by commenting: "Of all of the corporations that support arts in the United States, Bank of America is perhaps the most generous and the most innovative." Bank of America will be the first theatre partner of the Roundabout when it opens in the Henry Miller Theater in the BAC Tower at One Bryant Park in New York City in the fall of 2008.
Mr. Lewis joined North Carolina National Bank (NCNB, predecessor to NationsBank and Bank of America) in 1969 as a credit analyst. After serving in various leadership roles over more than three decades, he was named to lead the bank in April 2001. Today, Bank of America serves more than 59 million consumers and business clients through more than 6,100 retail banking offices, 18,500 ATMs, and an award-winning online banking and bill-pay service with nearly 25 million active users. The company serves clients in more than 150 countries and has relationships with 83 percent of the Global Fortune 500. In 2007, under the leadership of Mr. Lewis, Bank of America launched a $20 billion, ten-year environmental initiative to help finance the world's transition to alternative sustainable energy sources.
Hosted by the Museum's Business Committee and held annually since 1987, the Metropolitan Museum's Corporate Benefit is a gala event that pays tribute to individuals who personify – both personally and professionally – an extraordinary level of commitment and generosity to the Museum. The chairs of this year's event are Cathleen P. Black, James P. Gorman, and Jeffrey M. Peek. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Museum's general operating fund.
Past honorees include Cathleen P. Black, Iris Cantor, Richard L. Chilton, Jr., George David, Michel David-Weill, Catherine R. Kinney, Henry A. Kissinger, David H. Koch, Henry Kravis, Jeffrey M. Peek, Thomas A. Renyi, E. John Rosenwald, Jr., Carl Spielvogel, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, and Lulu C. Wang.
# # #
June 24, 2008
Press resources