This past Friday, May 3, Cincinnati-based Fifth Third Bank recognized 48 babies born on “Fifth Third Day” (5/3 on the calendar) by giving their parents $1,053 to be put toward a 529 savings account.  

“It was an exciting day to welcome newborns and provide their families with an opportunity to impact their child’s future,” Tom Partridge, Fifth Third’s Northern Ohio regional president, said in a statement. “We know these contributions will make a big difference and give them a head start on saving.”

Partridge and Northeast Ohio native and TNT Sports sideline reporter Allie LaForce greeted the new moms and dads and presented the college savings gift, along with a care package that includes gift cards, a onesie, a beanie, and a bib.

Northeast Ohio participating birthing centers include University Hospitals’ MacDonald Women’s Hospital, and Ahuja, Geauga, TriPoint, and St. John medical centers; Aultman Birth Center, Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital Veard Family Birthing Center, MetroHealth, Southwest General, and Summa Health.

 “Fifth Third Day is a special day. It’s my birthday and now my child’s birthday, too,” said a new father, Rob, whose baby was born at MetroHealth Medical Center. “Receiving this gift is a great start for the future.”  

Fifth Third partnered with 22 hospitals across Ohio and Tampa to present the 529 plan gifts to parents. Fifth Third also provided goodie bags to the hospital nurses to show appreciation for all they do for the moms and babies.

Since Fifth Third Day began in 2017, the Bank has gifted more than 600 babies with $1,053 to go toward any 529 college savings account, in partnership with the Gift of College.

The average total cost for a year of college at a four-year school, including tuition and fees, on-campus room and board, books, supplies, and other expenses, is more than $36,436, according to Best Colleges, and the cost of trade school can be up to $22,000 annually.

Fifth Third is extending its Fifth Third Babies 529 gift with the Fifth Third Babies Sweepstakes. Parents can enter to win $1,053 by following Fifth Third Bank and commenting on a sweepstakes post on Facebook and Instagram between May 13 and 29. Five winners will receive a head start on their college savings fund.