Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Employees Donate More Than $19,000 to Nine Nonprofit Organizations in Northern New England

Bar Harbor, Maine (May 23, 2023) - Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees recently presented more than $19,000 in donations collected through the Bank’s employee-driven charitable giving program, Casual for a Cause, to nine nonprofit organizations serving Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont residents. The recipients of the donations are: Eastern Maine Community College Foundation, Kennebec Valley Community College Foundation, Lubec Community Outreach Center, Machias Area Food Pantry, and Schoodic Food Pantry in Maine; Dismas Home of New Hampshire and The River Center in New Hampshire; and BarnArts Center for the Arts and Village for Paws Rescue in Vermont.

Employees participating in Casual for a Cause dress casually on Fridays in exchange for a bi-weekly payroll deduction made to a pool of funds collected during each quarter. The employees then vote on which nonprofits will receive their contributions. Employees have donated more than $220,000 since the program begin in 2018.

“We often say that our employees are passionate about the communities where we live and work, and Casual for a Cause is a testament to that,” said Jack Frost, VP Director of Community Giving at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. “The employees participating in the program give from their own pockets to support our neighbors and create better communities, and we are always amazed by their generosity.”

Recipients of Q1 2023 Donations

Maine

Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) Foundation supports the students, programs, equipment, and facilities of EMCC. The nonprofit organization invests in the latest technology, equipment, and improvements to enable student success and contribute to the economic stability of the region. Learn more about EMCC Foundation at www.emcc.edu/emcc-foundation.

“EMCC Foundation is incredibly grateful for the support of BHBT and their employees,” said Hannah Young, Executive Director of EMCC Foundation. “Over the past year, we have seen an increasing demand for our emergency funds. With rising costs, students are finding themselves struggling to fill the gaps, and often the funds provided via our emergency funds program are the difference between a student completing their degree and withdrawing.”

Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) Foundation invests in students, faculty, and programs to empower individuals and to build stronger communities. The nonprofit organization raises funds to promote and support all educational programs; provides state-of-the-art equipment and facilities; and ensures access through scholarship funds for students. Learn more about KVCC Foundation at www.kvcc.me.edu.

“We are so thankful the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust selected the KVCC Foundation to be the recipient of the Casual for a Cause program,” said Karen Normandin, President of KVCC. “This gift will be part of our emergent need program and will help ensure that unexpected financial barriers don’t stand in the way of the success of our students.”

Lubec Community Outreach Center (LCOC) is committed to removing barriers to improve the lives of people in the community. LCOC accomplishes its mission through a variety of initiatives including youth after-school programs; adult and community education classes; and the Lubec Community Food Pantry. Learn more about LCOC at www.lubecoutreach.org.

“Our thanks to the staff and leadership of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for your generous contribution in support of our food pantry,” said Jennifer Bristol, Executive Director of LCOC. “The LCOC and the bank both serve unique roles in Lubec - with the common ground of serving the health and future of the people who live here. This generous contribution is a great example of the ways we can work together for the greater good.”

Machias Area Food Pantry has been serving families in Bucks Harbor, Cutler, East Machias, Jonesboro, Machias, Machiasport, Marshfield, Northfield, Roque Bluffs, Wesley, and Whitneyville since 1986. Learn more about Machias Area Food Pantry at www.machiasareafoodpantry.org.

“Since we have no cash income, we rely on the kindness of businesses such as yours as well as individual donations, which gives us the ability to serve our customers with quality food including fresh fruits and vegetables, pantry supplies, and meats,” said Ken Warner, Co-Director of Machias Area Food Pantry. “This would not be possible without a cash flow from those who wish to offer comfort and support for those who have less.”

Schoodic Food Pantry distributes nutritious food to low-income families in Hancock County to ensure food security for all in the community. Learn more about Schoodic Food Pantry at www.facebook.com/people/Schoodic-Food-Pantry/100082394910460.

“Thank you so much for generously supporting the Food Pantry,” said Donna Harmon, Director of Schoodic Food Pantry. “This donation helps us provide food to so many in the Schoodic Peninsula. Our goal is to try and make hunger not a part of their daily lives.”

New Hampshire

Dismas Home of New Hampshire offers previously incarcerated women, the opportunity to improve their lives. The nonprofit organization provides clinical treatments and social support services, in a safe, loving home-like residential environment. Once ready to return to the community, Dismas Home offers extended continued support in job assistance, housing, and ongoing mental health services. Learn more about Dismas Home of New Hampshire at www.dismashomenh.org.

“Bar Harbor’s generous gift will benefit our residents by supporting materials used in group therapy projects, such as the home’s vegetable and flower gardens,” said Cheryll Andrews, Executive Director of Dismas Home of New Hampshire.

The River Center provides parent education, family support, and community connections in a welcoming environment to strengthen individuals and families in Peterborough, Jaffrey, and surrounding towns. The organization’s programs fill a void to connect individuals and families with local and state resources. Learn more at www.rivercenternh.org.

“We are honored to be the chosen nonprofit for the Casual for a Cause donation from the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust,” said Margaret Nelson, Executive Director of The River Center. “These funds will be used to support our work strengthening individuals and families in our community.”

Vermont

BarnArts Center for the Arts was founded in 2012 to engage and inspire the local community through a year-round program of community theater, musical performances, youth theater, school workshops, and community events. The organization supports the existing and developing talents of local adults and children as well as nationally and internationally recognized artists. Learn more about BarnArts Center for the Arts at www.barnarts.org.

“Thank you to Bar Harbor employees for such a generous recognition of BarnArts,” said Linda Treash, Executive Director of BarnArts Center for the Arts. “We appreciate the personal service we receive at our local Bar Harbor branch in Woodstock and feel honored to be recognized for our good work with the community. Funds received will support our youth and adult opportunities in the arts including providing multicultural arts programming in area schools.”

Village for Paws Rescue is committed to rescuing dogs from overcrowded ‘kill shelters,’ located primarily in the Southwest United States, to new homes in New England. The organization also educates the public and raises awareness of dog rescue. Learn more about Village for Paws Rescue at www.villageforpawsrescue.com.

“Village for Paws Rescue wishes to extend a big ‘thank you’ to all the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust,” said Tracey Stratton, Vice President of Village for Paws Rescue. “Your most generous donation will help the needs of these special pups. Thank you again for joining our village.”

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 $3.9 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 subsidiary Bar Harbor Wealth Management. For more information about Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, visit www.barharbor.bank or call 888-853-7100. Member FDIC.

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