Fifth Third Bank Gifts $1,053 College Savings to Newborns on Fifth Third Day

More than 80 newborns in metro Detroit and southwest Florida were given a financial head start on Saturday, thanks to a collaboration between Fifth Third Bank, Gift of College, and local participating hospitals.

To celebrate the births, Fifth Third Bank provided new parents with special care packages. Each included a $1,053 gift card to be used for a 529 College Savings Plan, a DoorDash gift card, and baby essentials like a onesie, bib, blanket, and a children's book. Labor and delivery nurses at the partner hospitals were also recognized with appreciation gifts from the bank.

The “Fifth Third Babies” program is part of a wider national initiative held annually on May 3—also known as “Fifth Third Day.” On this day, the bank’s nearly 19,000 employees engage in volunteer work and community service projects throughout the 11 states where Fifth Third operates.

“We’re honored to welcome these new community members on such a meaningful day for Fifth Third,” said David Girodat, Regional President for Eastern Michigan. “We’re committed to increasing financial opportunity and mobility in the areas we serve, ensuring a brighter financial future for the next generation. As both a father and grandfather, I understand how vital it is to help families begin saving for their children’s education early.”

Since its launch in 2017, the Fifth Third Babies program has awarded over $730,000 in 529 plan contributions to the families of nearly 700 babies born on May 3 through partnerships with 125 hospitals across seven states.

This year, 19 hospitals across Detroit, Fort Myers, and Naples participated. Every family with a baby born on May 3 received a gift bag that included a $1,053 gift card, redeemable toward opening a 529 college savings account in partnership with Gift of College.

“We’re excited to bring this meaningful program to families in Collier and Lee counties,” said Stephanie Green, South Florida Regional President at Fifth Third. “This initiative offers more than just a warm welcome for newborns—it’s a first step toward building a secure financial future. We are proud to help families start that journey right from day one.”

Patricia Roberts, COO of Gift of College and author of Route 529: A Parent’s Guide to Saving for College and Career Training with 529 Plans, highlighted the long-term value of early saving. “Starting a 529 plan when a child is born allows savings to grow over time and provides many opportunities for contributions from loved ones or even employers,” she explained. “Personally, knowing we had a savings plan in place gave us peace of mind. Opening that account early was one of the best decisions we made for our child’s future.”

Additionally, from May 3 through May 29, the public can enter a social media sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 53 $1,053 Gift of College gift cards, along with a Fifth Third Babies gift bag. Winners will be announced on May 29, known as 529 Day. Full sweepstakes details can be found here.

Sweepstakes Disclaimer: No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents (excluding New York) aged 18 and older. Sweepstakes runs from May 3, 2025, at 12:00 AM EST to May 29, 2025, at 8:00 AM EST. Void where prohibited. Odds depend on the number of eligible entries received. The promotion is not affiliated with Meta Platforms, Inc.