More than 200 babies born on Sunday, May 5, at 53 hospitals in Chicago, Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville, and Orlando, and received along with their parents care packages that included a $1,053 gift card for a 529 college savings plan. (photo by Donn Jones)
Since 2017, Fifth Third Bank has partnered with hospitals around the country to give babies born between midnight and 11:59 p.m. on May 3 — or 5/3— $1,053 toward a 529 college savings plan.
This year, Vanderbilt Health partnered with Fifth Third Bank to offer this gift to babies born at Vanderbilt University Hospital (VUH), Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital (VWCH) and Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital (VCH).
“Nothing makes us happier than welcoming new families into the community, and this is a fun way to celebrate that moment,” said Dave Briggs, Tennessee Regional President, Fifth Third Bank. “With the 53 Babies campaign, we’re giving parents a head start on saving for their child’s future while also marking a really special day in their lives. We’re grateful to partner with Vanderbilt Health to make it happy for families across Middle Tennessee.”
At VUH, 15 babies were born on May 3. At VCH, four babies were born. Incredibly, no babies were born at VWCH on May 3, though 15 total babies were born there in the four days leading up to the event.
Families received a Fifth Third Babies welcome kit with a blanket, bag, bib, onesie and a 529 gift card to be redeemed online.
“It brightened the day and night shift,” said Shannon Blaisdell, DNP, MSN, RN, Associate Nursing Officer, VUH Inpatient Obstetrics and IV Team. “The nurses were excited, and it was fun for them to deliver the kits. They said it brought an extra layer of joy to the families.”
Depending on the location, Labor and Delivery, Obstetric and Newborn Care nurses working that day received a gift and were treated to a meal or dessert.
“We’re very thankful to have Fifth Third Bank celebrate babies born at VUH and VCH on May 3, 2026, in a very special and generous way,” said Ronald Alvarez, MD, MBA, the Betty and Lonnie S. Burnett Professor and Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
