Katahdin Trust Co.’s ‘dress down’ days
aid American Red Cross
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — For two consecutive Fridays, employees at Katahdin Trust Co. paid to trade their business professional attire for more casual clothing, and the fundraiser helped raise money for the American Red Cross — Pine Tree Chapter’s Disaster Relief Fund.
EMPLOYEES AT KATAHDIN TRUST CO. recently held two “dress down” days bank wide where they could pay $2 to dress in casual clothes. Many offered to pay more than that and the money was donated to the American Red Cross — Pine Tree Chapter’s Disaster Relief Fund. A $1,000 check was presented to Red Cross officials April 26. Pictured are, from left: Lisa Flewelling-Haney, retail services assistant; Melissa Dahlgren, customer services representative; Nikki Lockhart, branch services representative; Carrie Hull, Easton and Washburn branch manager, retail service officer and American Red Cross Advisory Board member; Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County branch manager of the Pine Tree Chapter; Bonnie and Dennis Drew, American Red Cross — Pine Tree Chapter disaster relief volunteers; and Diane Green, Presque Isle branch manager, assistant vice president and retail service officer. 
According to Carrie Hull, Katahdin Trust Co.’s Easton and Washburn branch manager and retail service officer, the “dress down” days were held March 30 and April 6.
“Each employee could pay $2 and they could ‘dress down’ and wear their casual clothes,” she said. “I think a lot of employees gave more than that as there were donations given, as well. We raised over $1,000 in those two Fridays.”
The bank’s fundraiser was held in response to a plea made by the local Red Cross chapter following a string of home fires in Aroostook County.
“Within the past three weeks, our American Red Cross Disaster Action Team members have responded to 14 home fires,” said Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County branch manager of the Pine Tree Chapter. “On average, it costs $1,200 to provide immediate emergency services to a family of four. It is vital for the Red Cross to be there for the people of Aroostook County facing a tragedy such as the loss of a home, belongings, and a lifetime of memories.
“Safe shelter, clothing, food, infant supplies, medication and emotional support are the first things people need in order to move forward toward recovery. The Red Cross provides these disaster relief services free to victims, made possible by voluntary donations of community members and businesses such as our friends at Katahdin Trust Co.,” she said. “We are so thankful for the Katahdin Trust employees who support the mission of the Red Cross and its importance. When the crisis appeal went out, they stepped up to the plate to raise money to help us fill the financial gap to ensure future victims’ needs are met. Currently, we have received $4,500 toward our $10,000 need.”
Hull, who also serves on the American Red Cross — Pine Tree Chapter’s Advisory Board, had asked the bank to make a donation during this time of need.
“They came up with idea of having dress down days,” she said. “I had asked for $1,000, so we were hoping we’d be able to raise that much and we did meet our goal.
“The Red Cross does such fantastic work for people and are there when people are in need, and we really like to help them as much as we can,” said Hull.
The dress down days were held at each of the bank’s 16 branch offices.
