(Source: Business Wire)Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Orange County will honor W. Henry Walker, CEO of Farmers & Merchants Bank, at their 45th annual Gourmet Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Irvine on Thursday, Nov. 5. Serving as a board member for the past six years, Walker has played an instrumental role in generating support and increasing involvement for the organization's programs. According to Gus Vespino, CEO of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Orange County, Walker has gone above and beyond to advocate for the mission of the organization. "We are pleased to honor Henry Walker for the great work he has done to help change the lives of children in Orange County by matching them with role models."

The Gourmet Dinner is a longstanding tradition that plays a critical role in raising funds for Big Brothers, Big Sisters to serve more of Orange County's most vulnerable children -- children of single, low-income and/or incarcerated parents -- by providing one-to-one mentoring programs. "I amhonoredto berecognized by Big Brothers, Big Sisters at their annual dinner as they have stood as a pillar in the community for over50 years. Investing in this organization has been a privilege, so to be chosen as an honoree is a humbling experience," said Henry Walker.

Walker, along with his brother, Daniel Walker, Chairman of the Board, carry on the philanthropic spirit of their father, grandfather and great-grandfather who have invested in community programs and non-profit organizations since the Bank's inception. W. Henry Walker and several F&M officers have collaborated to raise over one hundred thousand dollars to support Big Brothers, Big Sisters at the upcoming Gourmet Dinner.

About Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach

Farmers & Merchants Bank has 22 branches in L.A. and Orange Counties. The Bank specializes in commercial and small business banking along with business loan programs up to $35 million. The Bank is recognized as the "strongest bank in California" and one of the safest banks in the country as measured by a variety of industry measurements. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach is a California state chartered bank with deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC").

For more information about F&M Bank, please call the media contacts listed below or visit the website, www.fmb.com.

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