HOULTON, Maine — Bangor Savings Bank has announced its 2018 recipients of grants as part of the bank’s “Community Matters More” program.
The bank donated $5,000 to the Houlton Performing Arts Center and $1,000 to the Halfway Home Pet Rescue in Caribou.
Each year, through this program, Bangor Savings Bank’s foundation gives a total of $100,000 to Maine non-profit organizations by asking Maine residents to cast votes for groups that matter the most to them.
Eligible non-profit organizations must be a registered 501 c(3) and be Maine-based, or have operating offices in the state. The organization’s programs must be open to anyone. Selected non-profit groups are listed on a ballot, and space also is left for “write-ins.”
“This is so great that we were chosen,” said Kevin Mania, band director for RSU 29 and a member of the Houlton Community Arts Center.
Mania said the funds will be used to bring additional shows to the area.
“We try to bring a lot of performances into the community that benefit our younger and older population with discounted or free admission,” he said. “These funds will allow us to provide even more arts enrichment.”
David White, branch manager for the Houlton Bangor Savings Bank, said he was pleased to be able to support local groups through their program.
“We, at Bangor Savings Bank, are very community oriented,” White said. “The fact that we are able to give back in such a way is fantastic.”
The Halfway Home Pet Rescue won for the second straight year as a write-in because of its enthusiastic and dedicated supporters.
According to the group’s website, the Halfway Home Pet Rescue is dedicated to improving the quality of life for stray animals in Aroostook County.
“We focus our mission on the rescue and rehabilitation of cats and kittens from Caribou and surrounding communities who are not eligible for admission to other area shelters,” states the site. “HHPR provides medical care, social and emotional rehabilitation through our foster home network and a safe haven that is ‘half way home.’”
The shelter will use the funds to help cover medical bills for stray, feral and abandoned cats in the Caribou area.
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- The Halfway Home Pet Rescue of Caribou was the recipient of $1,000 from Bangor Savings Bank as part of its Community Matters More program. It marks the second straight year that the group has won as a write-in. Taking part in the presentation are, from left, Jody Harvey, assistant bank branch manager; Norma Milton of Halfway Home Pet Rescue; and David White, bank branch manager. (Joseph Cyr)
