Folsom, Calif. – (Oct. 13, 2022) – SAFE Credit Union is gifting the power of art to a Sacramento area program long dedicated to empowering women.
The credit union is donating a portrait of tennis great Serena Williams painted by performance artist David Garibaldi to Saint John’s Program for Real Change.
SAFE commissioned Garibaldi – whose work has raised more than $7 million for charity worldwide – to perform and create the painting during its annual “Impact” employee event held Monday at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center.
Performance artist David Garibaldi painted a portrait of tennis legend Serena Williams at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center.
“SAFE is overjoyed to donate this piece to Saint John’s whom we have a more than 10-year history of supporting through philanthropy and volunteering,” says SAFE Community Impact Manager Amanda Merz. “The Williams’ piece is so inspiring. We are proud to be a part of this moving effort to support women and families.”
Saint John’s, a comprehensive residential program, helps formerly homeless women and their children build new lives through employment opportunities, childcare, education, and other support. The nonprofit plans to auction the artwork at its Party for Change fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 22.
“Serena Williams is an icon to women,” says Saint John’s for Real Change Executive Director Julie Hirota. “We are so thankful for receiving this electrifying artwork and to SAFE for their support.”
Saint John's for Real Change CEO Julie Hirota and SAFE Community Impact Manager Amanda Merz discuss the nonprofit and credit union's longstanding philanthropic relationship during SAFE's Impact.
Garibaldi says the only other image of Williams he has painted live was for Williams herself during a United States Tennis Association event in New York. She in turn donated the signed portrait to the organization, where it sold for $25,000.
“She’s a huge inspiration and a master at her craft,” Garibaldi says of the recently retired tennis legend. “I think she is a perfect example of resilience, passion, and reinvention. I hope the image brings inspiration for many years to come.”
Since breaking out nationally and abroad with his iconic brightly colored pop portraits, the Carmichael resident who attended Sheldon High School in Elk Grove, has performed 100-plus shows around the world, including a three-week tour with KISS and a residency with Josh Groban at Radio City Music Hall. He recently toured with the Blue Man Group.
At the SAFE event, Garibaldi told 570 employees in attendance about his journey from being a high school dropout to becoming an artist and benefactor. He challenged them to also ask themselves, “What are you doing with the creativity that was given to you?”
A longtime supporter of Saint John’s, he says, “A program like Saint John’s needs all the support we can give. There are too many women and children who do not have a system of support, and they are overlooked far too often.”
For media requests contact SAFE Public Relations and Communications Specialist Robyn Eifertsen at [email protected] or (916) 792-1284.
Painter David Garibaldi
About SAFE
SAFE Credit Union has made members an integral part of its vision since 1940. Over the years the credit union has kept the focus on what really matters, putting members first, a formula that has seen SAFE grow into a leading financial institution in Northern California with $4.5 billion in assets and about 246,000 members. SAFE crafts every cutting-edge product and sterling service with members’ needs foremost in mind. In addition to banking services conveniently available through online, chat, mobile, or phone options, SAFE offers in-person services for members and small businesses at service centers across the Greater Sacramento region. SAFE is a not-for-profit, state-chartered credit union with membership open to businesses and individuals living or working in Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Sutter, Butte, Nevada, Solano, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Yuba, Amador, and Alameda counties. Insured by NCUA. www.safecu.org