BUFFALO, N.Y., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- M&T Bank today announced the five finalists in its first-ever What's Important to You? Video Contest, an initiative that seeks to capture the life moments, both big and small, that really matter and share them for the world to see.

Starting Monday, Oct. 29, the public will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite of the five finalists on M&T's contest website. Voting ends Monday, Nov. 19. The grand prize winner will receive a GoPro® camera to continue capturing life's most important moments and have what's important to them featured in M&T advertising.

"The incredible stories we heard from individuals and groups through this contest serve as a reminder that there are so many precious things in life," said Peter Eliopoulos, M&T Bank Chief Marketing Officer. "While each of these finalists has their own story, they collectively demonstrate the opportunities in and power of capturing important moments. We hope our neighbors will each take a minute to vote for their favorite."

M&T received nearly 200 submissions from individuals throughout its geographic footprint. The five finalists are:

Ronald D. – Buffalo, N.Y.
As a firefighter, Ronald risks his life in the service of others. But that's not the most important job he holds. "Every moment that I spend with my son means the world to me," he wrote alongside his submission — a moving video of a rainy day he and Jr. spent together at Delaware Park.

David K. – Utica, N.Y.
David has a zest for life, and a passion for pursuing what's important to him. In his video entry, he showed us. "The video represents freedom of choice and the ability to enjoy life at every moment given," he explained.

Andy B. – Mendon, N.Y.
Family, work, responsibility: Most of us juggle a lot to make it work. Andy takes the modern balancing act to a whole new level. We'll just let him explain. "I have a passion for juggling while riding my unicycle. I do it almost every day weather permitting. Helps me stay fit and reduces stress."

Kat M. – Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
"My dogs save my life every day," Kat told us. "They are my emotional support animals, and my family." In her touching video, she shows us the connection she has with these special canines, including one that's been in her life for almost 19 years.

Robbe R. – Baltimore, Md.
Robbe is going places, literally. The avid runner says the sport turned his life around, and introduced him to countless friends and new places. "Now my family has started running as well. It's changed me forever."

To learn more about the finalist organizations and their nominating businesses, and to cast your vote, visit: www.mtb.com/shareyourstory.

M&T Bank will announce the winning community organization on Monday, Dec. 3. Voting opens at 12 a.m. ETOct. 29 and closes at 11:59 a.m. ETNov. 19.

About M&T Bank
M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T's principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, operates banking offices in New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. Trust-related services are provided by M&T's Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. © 2018 M&T Bank. Member FDIC.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/finalists-named-in-mt-bank-whats-important-to-you-video-contest-300740329.html

SOURCE M&T Bank Corporation

Media Contacts: Upstate New York: Julia Berchou, (716) 842-5385, jberchou@mtb.com; Connecticut, New Jersey and New York Metro: Chet Bridger, (716) 842-5182, cbridger@mtb.com; Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, DC: Philip Hosmer, (410) 949-3042, phosmer@mtb.com