On Wednesday evening, BankGloucester President, Patrick Thorpe announced the winners of this year’s Banking for the Community program. Over 10,000 votes were submitted, with a record number of write-in votes. This year, the top twenty organizations were awarded checks totaling a combined $31,000.
“We’re proud to be part of such a wonderful community and grateful for the opportunity to give back through our Banking for the Community program. As we celebrate 17 years of this initiative, we want to thank all the incredible organizations involved for their hard work, and our community for its ongoing support. You make this event a success, year after year.” said Patrick Thorpe, President and CEO at BankGloucester.”
In first place was Cape Ann Animal Aid who received a $5,000 award!
Following their lead, two more familiar names joined them in the winner’s circle. In second place was Generous Gardeners, and in third was The Open Door Food Pantry receiving awards of $4,000 and $3,000 respectively. The Ipswich Humane Group maintained its spot in 4th place receiving $2,000, and SeniorCare Inc. placed 5th, also receiving a $2,000 award.
Originally, a total of $30,000 was set aside to be awarded to 19 organizations. However, due to a tie, we increased the total to $31,000 to ensure both tied organizations received support. As a result, the following 15 organizations were awarded $1,000 each: Ipswich Education Foundation, Backyard Growers, Pathways for Children, Cape Ann Veterans Services, Gloucester Education Foundation, Maritime Gloucester, Wellspring House, NAMI, Friends of Manchester Council on Aging, Manship Artists Residency, Cape Ann Museum, Better Together for Cape Ann, Rockport Music and our two write-in winners, Chorus North Shore and the Ipswich Music, Arts & Drama Association.
Community votes determined how the funds were distributed. Votes were cast through the bank’s website at bankgloucester.com or via paper ballot at the Gloucester, Essex and Ipswich branch locations. There were 19 organizations featured on the ballot and as always, write ins were welcomed. This year, two write-in organizations received awards.
For additional information please contact:
Derek Clements, Marketing Manager at BankGloucester – 978-675-9903 or dclements@bankgloucester.com
BankGloucester, a $350 million state-chartered mutual bank has been serving the North Shore since 1887. BankGloucester is headquartered at 160 Main Street in Gloucester and has branches at 15 Martin Street in Essex and 143 High Street in Ipswich. They are a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and a member of the Depositors of Insurance Fund (DIF). At BankGloucester, all deposits are insured in full.