Editor's note: Opportunity Bank allowed us to share this story from their website.

For Opportunity Bank Project Manager Breanna Carioto, her personal journey has led to a meaningful and impactful bank partnership with the American Red Cross of Montana.

Through Breanna’s leadership and dedication, Opportunity Bank has hosted three blood drives in coordination with the Red Cross since last year. These events have brought together 87 community members, 63 of whom were Opportunity Bank employees, and have resulted in the collection of 82 units of blood. Each unit represents a critical resource that can help save lives and support families during medical emergencies.

Breanna’s commitment to blood donation stems from a deeply personal experience.

“Blood donation has always been a part of my life, albeit casually,” she explained. “I understood its importance and made it a point to donate whenever I could. However, it wasn't until 2022 that blood donation became a passion and a high priority for me.”

That year, Breanna received a call that would forever change her perspective. Her father had become suddenly and gravely ill. She was told, “If you are coming, it needs to be now.”

It was the availability of donated blood that allowed her the time to fly to say goodbye to her father.

“That experience was a turning point for me," she said. "I realized that blood donation was not just a good deed but a lifeline for many families like mine.”

Motivated by this experience, Breanna made blood donation a personal priority. In May 2024, while attending a meeting of the American Business Women’s Association Big Sky Chapter, she heard Nona Keeler, account manager for American Red Cross Blood Services, speak about the ongoing need for blood donors and the impact of local blood drives.

“Inspired by Nona's words, I decided to bring blood drives to Opportunity Bank of Montana," Breanna said. "It was a way to help the community and make a tangible difference. Seeing colleagues and community members come together to donate blood has been heartwarming and fulfilling.”

Since then, Breanna has played a central role in organizing Opportunity Bank’s blood drives, strengthening a culture of compassion and service among her colleagues. She is organizing the two upcoming blood drives at the Opportunity Bank Conference Center, 1550 Vandelay Ave. in Helena.

“Blood donation is more than just a medical procedure," Breanna said. "It's an act of kindness, and solidarity. It's a way to give back to the community and ensure that no one has to face the fear of losing a loved one due to a lack of blood. My journey with blood donation has been deeply personal and transformative, and I hope to inspire others to join me in this lifesaving mission."