BAR HARBOR BANK & TRUST EMPLOYEES MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS TO LOCAL NON-PROFITS THROUGH ‘CASUAL FOR A CAUSE’ PROGRAM

 Bar Harbor, Maine – Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is pleased to present donations from its employee-driven charitable giving program, Casual for a Cause.  After pooling all contributions from employees and directors, collected during first quarter 2019, and tallying employee votes for non-profit beneficiaries, the following organizations each received a generous gift:  Junior Achievement of Maine, Upper Valley Haven in White River Junction, and Capstone Community Action in Vermont.

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees at the South China branch join in presenting the Casual for a Cause donation to Junior Achievement of Maine.  Holding the check on the left is Nichole Lee, Branch Relationship Manager II (South China/Rockland) at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust.  On the right, holding the check is Junior Achievement of Maine’s President, Michelle Anderson.  On the far right, holding the JMG sign is South China Middle School student Lilly Fredette who participates in Junior Achievement programming.  Junior Achievement of Maine was chosen by Bank employees as a quarterly beneficiary of their employee-driven, Casual for a Cause community giving program. 

 “Gifts through our Casual for a Cause program truly make a difference in our communities.  Our collective support enhances nonprofit community programs, leading to greater economic prosperity for local individuals and families,” said Jack Frost, VP, Director of Community Giving at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust.  “By simply wearing jeans or less formal business attire on Friday and contributing to Casual for a Cause, our employees are making a big difference in the communities they serve.”

“Junior Achievement of Maine greatly appreciates the generous investment from Bar Harbor Bank & Trust in inspiring and preparing Maine students for strong financial futures through our mentor-led programs,” said Michelle Anderson, President of Junior Achievement of Maine.  This gift from Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is directed to Junior Achievement’s programming in the Mid-coast region.
                             
Working throughout the state, Junior Achievement of Maine is a volunteer-delivered, kindergarten-12th grade program which fosters work-readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy skills, and uses experiential learning to inspire students in the community to dream big and reach their potential. This program broadens students’ sense of opportunity, which empowers them to plan a pathway to a successful future.  For more information visit: www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-maine/
 
“We are tremendously grateful to the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for choosing Upper Valley Haven for this generous contribution which will support the children’s summer camp program. All of these children are or were homeless and all have lived at the Haven’s Byrne Family Shelter. Our summer program offers these children the opportunity for learning, new experiences, social engagement and a whole lot of fun. Through these services we break the cycle of poverty by enhancing their strengths and rebuilding their resilience,” said Michael Redmond, Executive Director of Upper Valley Haven.
 
Upper Valley Haven in White River Junction, Vermont focuses on those struggling with poverty by providing food, shelter, education, service coordination, and other support. They provide temporary shelter and educational programming for homeless families and adults in New Hampshire’s Upper Valley, as well as food to anyone in need. The Haven has fostered independence through their shelter advocacy, aftercare, outreach and education programs.  For more information visit: www.uppervalleyhaven.org

“Capstone Community Action is grateful for Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s support of our Savings and Credit program in Randolph, Vermont. This program is at the heart of our Financial Empowerment services and helps low to moderate income Vermont households integrate goal-oriented money management coaching.  Our classes focus on budgeting, saving and improving credit for greater financial stability. Through this program individuals learn how to set meaningful goals, reduce debt, save money and build assets, leading to a path out of poverty,” said Sue Minter, Executive Director of Capstone Community Action.  Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s gift will benefit Jobs For Independence; a program that helps people find a new or better paying job.

Capstone Community Action in Barre, Vermont provides comprehensive services to help people achieve economic well-being with dignity and develops partnerships to strengthen Vermont communities. They work with individuals and families to move out of poverty and advocate for economic justice. For more information visit: www.capstonevt.org
 
Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB) is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Operating over 50 locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine and has more than $3.6 billion in assets.  As a leading Northern New England community bank, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust offers a full range of personal and business banking services, as well as wealth management services through its subsidiaries Bar Harbor Trust Services and Charter Trust Company.  For more information about Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, visit www.barharbor.bank or call 888-853-7100.  Member FDIC.

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CONTACT:
Cathy Planchart, VP
 Product & Segment Marketing Manager
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust
 P.O. Box 1089, Ellsworth, ME  04605
 207-667-0660 x14655 / cplanchart@barharbor.bank