Wescom Financial Honors Wildfire-Affected Members with Grand Opening Celebration at Knott’s Berry Farm
In a celebration blending community spirit, resilience, and a touch of Southern California nostalgia, Wescom Financial Services is officially marking the grand opening of its newest branch—located in the heart of Knott’s Berry Farm—with an invitation-only event on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. The event is not just a ribbon-cutting ceremony; it’s a heartfelt tribute to those impacted by California’s devastating wildfires and a powerful symbol of Wescom’s commitment to supporting and uplifting the communities it serves.
This momentous occasion also signifies a historic first—Wescom becomes the first financial institution to establish a physical presence within Knott’s Berry Farm, one of California’s most iconic and beloved amusement parks. The new branch, which quietly opened its doors in September 2024 in Knott’s California Marketplace, now takes center stage as Wescom celebrates the official launch with a grand celebration filled with gratitude, generosity, and joy.
“Being the first financial institution to open a branch at Knott’s Berry Farm marks a significant milestone for Wescom,” said Ashley White, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Wescom. “We’re thrilled to share this moment not only with our incredible team and partners but also with members of our Southern California communities—especially those who have endured the hardships brought by recent wildfires.”
Indeed, the emotional core of the event revolves around Wescom’s support for members affected by the wildfires, including the nearby Eaton Fire, which caused considerable concern near Wescom’s Pasadena headquarters earlier this year. In a generous and heartfelt gesture, Wescom extended personal invitations to several members who have faced wildfire-related hardships, offering them and their families a much-needed day of lighthearted fun and joyful memories.
“For families recovering from the trauma and displacement of a wildfire, it’s about more than just physical rebuilding—it’s about restoring a sense of normalcy, creating new happy memories, and feeling the strength of a supportive community around them,” White added. “That’s what this day is all about.”
The celebratory day is packed with special programming designed to entertain, uplift, and express appreciation. The festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Wescom branch, featuring remarks from several key leaders. Darren Williams, CEO and President of Wescom, will address attendees alongside Nick Villalobos, the Branch Manager for the Knott’s location, and Jon Storbeck, Vice President and General Manager of Knott’s Berry Farm.
Following the ceremony, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., a private lunch will be held at the legendary Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. This reception provides invited guests—including Wescom members, employees, and Knott’s staff—the chance to enjoy a family-style meal while interacting with beloved Knott’s theme park characters. Children and adults alike will have the opportunity to capture the moment with photo ops and enjoy lighthearted interactions with the park’s most charming mascots.
From 12:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., the event shifts into full celebration mode as select guests are treated to all-access admission to Knott’s Berry Farm’s rides and attractions. The park experience includes all-day dining and beverages, offering families a complete and carefree day of fun—something many have not experienced since the onset of personal and regional tragedies linked to wildfire outbreaks.
“We’re thrilled to have a Wescom Financial branch at Knott’s Berry Farm. It benefits both our associates and our guests,” said Storbeck. “Wescom, like Knott’s, is an organization that values an exceptional guest experience. Today, we not only celebrate the formal grand opening, but also the beginning of a great partnership centered on community enrichment.”
Wescom’s collaboration with Knott’s Berry Farm extends beyond the branch and into innovative, philanthropic financial products. In conjunction with the celebration, Wescom has launched a special promotional offer for its Knott’s Visa® Credit Card—a product designed to reflect the shared values and interests of both brands.
Beginning April 21 and running through May 31, 2025, Wescom will match every dollar spent on Knott’s credit card purchases—up to $10,000—along with member donations to benefit the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. These matched contributions will directly support wildfire relief efforts, ensuring that the celebration extends its impact to even more families and first responders on the front lines.
As an added incentive, every cardholder who makes a qualifying Knott’s Visa® purchase during the promotional period will be entered into a sweepstakes for the chance to win an unforgettable prize package. One lucky member will receive four Gold Passes to Knott’s Berry Farm and a one-night stay at the Knott’s Hotel—a family getaway to remember. Notably, each cardholder only needs to make one purchase to be entered into the drawing, regardless of the number of transactions made during the promotional window.
To date, Wescom and its members have contributed more than $214,000 toward wildfire relief in Southern California, with $50,000 of that total provided directly by Wescom through matching initiatives. This strong show of support reflects the credit union’s mission to go beyond traditional banking, focusing instead on holistic financial and emotional wellbeing for its members.
Throughout the day, attendees will experience firsthand the values that have positioned Wescom as a community banking leader: empathy, service, integrity, and innovation. The Knott’s Berry Farm branch, in particular, is designed to serve both park guests and the broader Southern California public with full-service banking capabilities, blending convenience with accessibility.
“This event exemplifies everything Wescom stands for,” said Darren Williams, CEO of Wescom. “It’s about more than opening a branch—it’s about opening doors, hearts, and opportunities for those we serve. We’re proud to be part of such a meaningful day and excited to deepen our relationship with Knott’s and the Southern California community in the years to come.”
As the sun sets on a day filled with laughter, unity, and community healing, Wescom’s grand opening celebration at Knott’s Berry Farm will be remembered not just as a corporate milestone—but as a shared moment of renewal and hope. For those who have faced the fury of wildfires, it’s a reminder that brighter days are ahead, especially when neighbors, institutions, and communities come together.
To learn more about Wescom Financial’s partnership with Knott’s Berry Farm or to explore the benefits of the Knott’s Visa® Credit Card, visit wescom.org/knotts.
About Wescom Financial
For more than 90 years, Wescom Financial has been dedicated to building better lives for Californians through a full array of banking products and services, including insurance and investment solutions. Wescom also offers accessible financial education, top-rated digital banking tools, lower loan rates and fees, and higher savings yields. Today, with 30 branches between Southern and Central California, Wescom serves more than a quarter million individuals. Headquartered in Pasadena, California, Wescom is proud to be named one of “America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions” by Newsweek in 2024 and 2025. The Wescom Foundation, its charitable arm, supports community-based organizations through strategic grantmaking and community engagement. Wescom is federally insured by NCUA and an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. For more information, please visit wescom.org.
About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) is North America’s largest regional amusement-resort operator with 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks and nine resort properties across 17 states in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Focused on its purpose of making people happy, Six Flags provides fun, immersive and memorable experiences to millions of guests every year with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks, resorts, and a portfolio of beloved intellectual property including Looney Tunes®, DC Comics® and PEANUTS®.
