Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
NOMINATED — The Aroostook Council for Healthy Families has been selected as one of 68 non-profit groups selected to compete for grant funds as part of the “Community Matters More” from Bangor Savings Bank. Members of the Aroostook Council were at Bangor Savings Bank in Houlton Feb. 5 to learn more about being chosen. Taking part in the discussion are, from left, Dora Davis, program manager; Cheryl Drake, home visitor; Jody Harvey, customer service rep for Bangor Savings Bank; Danielle Langley, program director; and Sarah Riopel, teller.
BANGOR — Bangor Savings Bank Foundation has begun its annual grant-making initiative, Community Matters More. Through this charitable program, Maine’s largest independent bank offers all Maine residents the opportunity to weigh in on how best to allocate $100,000 the bank has pledged to give to 68 Maine non-profit organizations.
Bangor Savings Bank has nominated the Aroostook Council for Healthy Families/Maine Families Aroostook for their Community Matters More Grant. By being nominated, the group automatically receives a grant in the amount of $1,000. If the group receives the most votes, it will be awarded an additional $5,000. These grants will support the Maine Families Aroostook Program.
The voting period takes place during the month of February with winners announced in April.
Since its inception, Community Matters More has provided more than $600,000 in total grants to hundreds of Maine nonprofits.
“We launched Community Matters More in 2007 as a way to support nonprofit organizations in Maine based on input from the general public. The enthusiastic participation of Maine residents who are passionate about their favorite nonprofits and who understand the importance of supporting communities is what makes this effort so successful,” said Yellow Light Breen, executive vice president at Bangor Savings Bank.
It is easy to vote online at www.bangor.com/cmm. Paper ballots are also available at any of the 57 Bangor Savings Bank branches statewide, and at each of the participating nonprofits.
Community Matters More not only provides financial support to the nonprofits, it also generates substantial exposure and community awareness for the work these organizations do to enhance the quality of life in Maine.
Last year, The Children’s Discovery Museum in Augusta used its $5,000 Community Matters More grant to address a crucial exhibit need.
“The Ocean Touch Tank is one of the most popular displays at the museum. Some of the children who come to the museum have never visited the ocean and the tank provides them the opportunity to touch and hold several types of Maine ocean animals. The tank’s motor broke last year and we had to close the exhibit. Thanks to the Community Matters More grant, we were able to repair the motor, replace the animals and re-open the exhibit,” said executive director Carrie Arsenault. “A portion of the grant was also used to help purchase 140 complimentary family memberships given to needy families through local schools. We’re thankful to Bangor Savings and Community Matters More for supporting the museum and the greater community.”
Breen acknowledges the essential role that the media sponsors play in promoting Community Matters More. “For the past several years, the media has really stepped up and done their part. We’ve been fortunate to partner with WLBZ-TV/ Channel 2, WCSH-TV/Channel 6, WGAN 560 Newsradio and Blueberry Broadcasting. With their support, the public has been made aware of this program and the importance of giving back to the community,” said Breen.
