Bar Harbor, Maine (March 11, 2026) – Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees recently presented more than $26,000 in donations collected through the Bank’s employee-driven charitable giving program, Casual for a Cause, to 10 organizations serving communities in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The recipients of the donations collected during the fourth quarter of 2025 are:
Maine
- City of Rockland
- Full Plates Full Potential
- Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County
- Jesup Memorial Library
- Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries
New Hampshire
- Cathedral of the Pines
- Center for the Arts
- SEE Science Center
Vermont
- Boys and Girls Club of Rutland County
- Rochester Community Care Home
Casual for a Cause participants dress casually on Fridays in exchange for a bi-weekly payroll deduction made to a pool of funds collected each quarter. The program participants then vote on which community organizations will receive the funds collected the previous quarter. More than $463,000 has been donated since the program began in 2018.
“Our Casual for a Cause program is really gaining momentum thanks to my colleagues’ generous contributions, which made the last quarter of 2025 one of our most successful yet,” said Jack Frost, VP Director of Community Giving at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. “Each of the donations this quarter are helping local nonprofits continue to make a positive impact on the communities they serve across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.”
Recipients of Q4 2025 Donations
Maine
City of Rockland
The City of Rockland strives to have a strong Fire and EMS Department to keep the community safe, protect property, and save lives. Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s donation supports the Rockland Fire Department House Fund, which helps provide items such as clothing, home safety materials, and flashlights for those in need.
“While Rockland Fire and EMS works hard to make sure our citizens are safe, it’s a humbling feeling to know that Bar Harbor Bank & Trust supports our first responders in Rockland,” said Chris Whytock, Rockland Fire Chief. “We can’t thank you all enough for thinking of us.”
Full Plates Full Potential
Through its efforts to strengthen child nutrition programs across the state of Maine, Full Plates Full Potential seeks to ensure that every child has consistent access to nutritious food. Learn more at fullplates.org.
“Full Plates Full Potential greatly appreciates the philanthropic support of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and its employees,” said Justin Strasburger, Executive Director of Full Plates Full Potential. “Support from Maine's business community enables us to focus on making sure that all Maine kids have the food they need to thrive. We're working to strengthen critical federal nutrition programs, such as school meals and SNAP, so that every child is fed — every meal, every day.”
Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County
Founded in 1980, the Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County enhances the lives of people experiencing life-limiting illness, grief, and loss by providing quality, cost-free compassionate support and comfort. Learn more at hospiceofhancock.org.
“Thank you to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and their employees for generously supporting Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County. Your gift ensures that patients with life-limiting illness and their families receive the compassionate support they need,” said Executive Director Kathy Baillargeon. “We deeply appreciate all you do to support us and our community.”
Jesup Memorial Library
A vibrant center for educational exchange in Bar Harbor, the Jesup Memorial Library connects people to ideas, information, and each other, and integrates new technology to serve as a hub for access and information. Learn more at jesuplibrary.org.
“The Jesup could not be more grateful for the support of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and its employees!” said Library Director Megan Brooks. “By choosing the Jesup for this donation, you are supporting our mission of nourishing minds, enhancing lives, and building community.”
Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries
The Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries aims to build sustainable fisheries and productive marine ecosystems that support fishing communities, while sustaining the fishing heritage and economies of Downeast Maine. Learn more at coastalfisheries.org.
“No one knows you like your banker, which makes this employee-driven award even more meaningful to us,” said Alexa Dayton, MCCF Executive Director. “We are honored to be recognized by the staff at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for our work in support of Maine's fisheries and fishing dependent communities.”
New Hampshire
Cathedral of the Pines
Promoting the legacy and well-being of all veterans and their families, Cathedral of the Pines offers services, workshops, and events where all are honored and valued. Its grounds inspire peace, tranquility, and natural beauty in a way that respects and sustains the environment. Learn more at cathedralofthepines.org.
“It warms our hearts to know that Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s employees see the value of empowering our mission with the expansion of our veteran programs and our significant impact across New England as we help to improve the health and well-being of veterans and their families through ‘Healing in Nature’ programs,” said Michelle Lowe, Executive Director of Cathedral of the Pines.
Center for the Arts
New London’s Center for the Arts enriches lives by supporting, promoting, and connecting literary performance and visual artists of all ages to the community with a robust schedule of events and classes year-round. Learn more at centerfortheartsnh.org.
“Bar Harbor Bank & Trust has been a wonderful long-term partner of the Center for the Arts – Sunapee Region, and we are so grateful that the employees of the bank have voted to honor us with their donation,” said Barry Fougere, Interim Executive Director and Board Chair. “With an expanding program of exhibitions and classes, the CFA is poised to make an even greater impact in connecting artists to the community and the community to our member artists.”
SEE Science Center
Located in Manchester’s historic mill yard, the SEE Science Center — celebrating its 40th year in 2026 — offers fun, hands-on science learning opportunities for families and students. Learn more at see-sciencecenter.org.
“We are so grateful to the employees at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for honoring SEE Science Center with this donation,” said Shana Hawrylchak, the Center’s Executive Director. “These funds will help to support our many programs to reach underserved audiences as we seek to inspire the next generation of scientists.”
Vermont
Boys and Girls Club of Rutland County
Serving children between the ages of 5 and 12, the Boys and Girls Club of Rutland County provides a safe place, caring mentors, enriching programs, and activities for area youth. Its Rutland City location also includes a teen center, known as the Hangout Spot. Learn more at rutlandbgclub.org.
“We are incredibly grateful to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for their generous donation in support of the Boys & Girls Club of Rutland County,” said Nicole Rice, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Rutland County. “Contributions like this help us provide a safe, supportive environment and meaningful opportunities for local youth to learn, grow, and thrive. This partnership makes a real difference for the families and children we serve.”
Rochester Community Care Home
The Rochester Community Care Home maintains and operates Park House, a perpetually affordable, congregate home for independent individuals. The facility provides an opportunity for people to remain truly independent, while enjoying privacy in a safe and secure environment. Learn more at parkhousevt.org.
“It never ceases to amaze us how generous our friends can be nor just how many friends we can count on,” said Phyllis Young, Executive Director of Rochester Community Care Home. “Your contribution will allow us to continue to provide a safe and comfortable home for our residents. We are so blessed to have support from caring community members like yourself.”
Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB) is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Operating more than 60 locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine, and has more than $4.5 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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Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to City of Rockland. Pictured from left to right: Peggy Young, AVP Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT; Jennifer Winchenbach, Customer Service Representative at BHBT; Mikayla Brazier, Branch Sales and Service Lead at BHBT; and Chris Whytock, Rockland Fire Chief.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to the Full Plates Full Potential (FPFP). Pictured from left to right: Lisa Veazie, SVP Regional Market Manager at BHBT; Kim Pagon, Personal Banker at BHBT; Nikki England, AVP Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT; Justin Strasburger, FPFP Executive Director; and Erica Forsyth, FPFP Development Director.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County (HVHC). Pictured from left to right: Jackie Sinclair, AVP Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT; Chelsea Sawyer, Treasury Support Specialist at BHBT; Penny Brady, Servicing Administration Specialist at BHBT; Golda Summers, Servicing Administration Specialist at BHBT; Sydnee Rae, Branch Sales and Service Lead at BHBT; Sonya Mitchell, SVP Managing Director at BHFS; Andrea Parker, AVP Assistant Manager-Servicing Administration at BHBT; Tricia Whitney, Financial Services Specialist at BHFS; Janis Wells, Administrative Coordinator at BHBT; Schylar Jewell, Wealth Administrator at BHWM; Amy Foskett, Senior Commercial Servicing Specialist at BHBT; Natalie Wray, AVP Assistant Manager – Consumer/Residential Lending at BHBT; Rob Freese, VP Wealth Manager at BHWM; Lisa Parsons, SVP Regional Market Manager at BHBT; John Testa, SVP Analyst and Senior Portfolio Manager at BHWM; Saxon Tinto, VP Loan Servicing Manager at BHBT; Kathy Baillargeon, HVHC Executive Director.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to Jesup Memorial Library (JML). Pictured from left to right: Marion Colombo, EVP Chief Retail Officer at BHBT; Curtis Simard, President and CEO at BHBT; Cody Farrell, Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT; Peter Nicolas, Branch Sales and Service Lead at BHBT; Susanne Griffin, Senior Commercial Loan Assistant at BHBT; Tracy Keller, Commercial Loan Assistant at BHBT; Sam McGee, SVP Commercial Banking Team Leader at BHBT; Lisa Parsons, SVP Regional Market Manager at BHBT; Aaron Small, VP Mortgage Loan Originator at BHBT; and Megan Brooks, Executive Director at JML.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries (MCCF). Pictured from left to right: Jack Frost, VP Director of Community Giving at BHBT; Laura Corridan, Customer Service Representative at BHBT; Rebecca Emerson, VP Community and Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT; Laura Butler-Levitt, Customer Service Representative at BHBT; and Alexa Dayton, Executive Director at MCCF.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to the Cathedral of the Pines. Pictured from left to right: Samantha Reilly, Branch Sales and Service Lead at BHBT; Mike Justason, AVP Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT; Anna Dubrovina, Customer Service Representative at BHBT; and Michelle Lowe, Executive Director at Cathedral of the Pines.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to the Center for the Arts (CFA). Pictured from left to right: Katherine Plourde, CFA Gallery and Community Arts Manager; Barry Fougere, CFA Board Chair; Charles Seugling, SVP Regional Market Manager at BHBT; and Katie Paine, AVP Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to the SEE Science Center. Pictured from left to right: Kevin Bausch, Customer Service Representative at BHBT; Maddie Bishop, Customer Service Representative at BHBT; Shana Hawrylchak, Executive Director at SEE Science Center; John Mercier, EVP Chief Lending Officer at BHBT; Shane Klardie, VP Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT; Mike Woodbury, VP Treasury Services Officer at BHBT; Nikos Kalampalikis, VP Business Development Officer at BHBT; Charles Seugling, SVP Regional Market Manager at BHBT; and Nicole Bailey, Branch Sales and Service Lead at BHBT.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to the Boys and Girls Club of Rutland County (BGCRC). Pictured from left to right: Zina Ramadanovic, Personal Banker at BHBT; Amy Chamberlin, AVP Treasury and Payment Services Officer at BHBT; Nicole Rice, Executive Director at BGCRC; Iris Hudson, Director of Finance at BGCRC; Malik Hines, Director of Operations at BGCRC; and Tad Kemnitzer, Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to the Rochester Community Care Home. Pictured from left to right: Christy Harding, Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT; Phyllis Deering, Park House Executive Director; and Amy Chamberlin, AVP Treasury and Payment Services Officer at BHBT.