Bar Harbor, Maine (September 9, 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 11 organizations serving communities in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The recipients of the donations collected during the second quarter of 2026 are:
- Maine
- Common Good Soup Kitchen
- Island Community Center
- Island Institute
- Manufacturer’s Association of Maine
- Schoodic Institute
- New Hampshire
- Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley
- Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice
- REACH Crisis Services
- Vermont
- Alzheimer’s Association Vermont Chapter
- OUR House of Central Vermont
- Williamstown Food Shelf
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 $519,000 has been donated since the program began in 2018.
“It’s amazing to think how my Bar Harbor Bank & Trust colleagues’ commitment to Casual for a Cause has already resulted in more than half a million dollars going to community organizations in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont,” said Jack Frost, VP Director of Community Giving at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. “This is a milestone we can and should celebrate, and a beautiful reminder of what we can accomplish together.”
Recipients of Q2 2026 Donations
Maine
Common Good Soup Kitchen
The Common Good Soup Kitchen, located in Southwest Harbor, provides food and friendship to all individuals in the Mount Desert Island Community. The regular programs include the food pantry, grocery delivery, and hot lunches and community dinners in the winter. Learn more at commongoodkitchen.org.
“We are so thankful to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for all their support to our soup kitchen. They come for lunches we serve, they volunteer to prepare our meals, they set up collection bins when we have food drives, they are a familiar face when going to the bank,” said Debi Estep, Executive Director of Common Good Soup Kitchen. “And on top of all that, they still gave a generous donation through their Casual for a Cause, an employee-led program.”
Island Community Center
The Island Community Center in Stonington strives to provide facilities and programs — including favorites such as Camp Kooky, senior arts, Coffee Connections, and DIS Youth Sports — for all members of the community to enhance their well-being, socially, emotionally, and physically. Learn more at islandcommunitycenter.org.
“It means a great deal to receive the Casual for a Cause grant from Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, and it’s especially meaningful to be recognized by the Bar Harbor employees who are a part of our community,” said Jeannie Hatch, Director of Island Community Center. “Their support helps us continue offering the programs that are loved by all — all of which bring people together and strengthen the wellbeing of children, families, and seniors across the island.”
Island Institute
Based in Rockland, the Island Institute works with local leaders to build community sustainability and share solutions for the coast’s most pressing issues, from resilient energy to the future of fishing. Learn more at islandinstitute.org.
“Island Institute is honored to be chosen by Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees through the Casual for a Cause program,” said Kim Hamilton, President of Island Institute. “Together, we’re investing in the future of Maine’s island and coastal communities — supporting working waterfronts, local leaders, and innovative solutions that keep our coast strong and our communities thriving.”
Manufacturers Association of Maine
The Manufacturers Association of Maine is a nonprofit comprised of more than 200 member organizations that serves its members by providing development support and promoting careers for young people through education, scholarships, and networking. Learn more at mainemfg.com.
“We're honored to be selected by the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust through their Casual for a Cause program,” said John Lewis, Executive Director of the Manufacturers Association of Maine. “Their generosity helps us continue expanding workforce initiatives, supporting manufacturers across Maine, and creating opportunities that strengthen our state's economy.”
Schoodic Institute
The mission of Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park is inspiring science, learning, and community for a changing world. Learn more at schoodicinstitute.org.
“A big thank you to the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for selecting Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park as a recipient of their Casual for a Cause program. This support enables us to engage people of all ages in conservation science and develop solutions that protect the natural resources of coastal Maine for generations to come,” said Nick Fisichelli, President & CEO of Schoodic Institute.
New Hampshire
Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley
Based in Milford, the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley offers prevention programs and a Family Resource Center to enhance education, resources, and support to help youth build healthy habits, strengthen connections and thrive together. Learn more at svbgc.org.
"The generosity of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and its employees through the Casual for a Cause program is a wonderful reminder of how much can be accomplished when a community comes together,” said Holly Bly, Director of Development for the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley. “Their support helps ensure that local youth have access to a safe, welcoming place where they can learn, grow, and thrive every day."
Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice
The Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice, located in New London, provides health care and hospice for those in homes and community settings, fostering continuity of care and enabling people to stay in their homes. Learn more at lakesunapeevna.org.
“Lake Sunapee VNA & Hospice is humbled by and very grateful to have been selected for this generous donation,” said Cathy Raymond, Development Officer at Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice. “Our connections, in many ways, with Bar Harbor Bank & Trust reflect a mutual desire for prosperous and healthy communities throughout the regions we serve.”
REACH Crisis Services
REACH Crisis Services offers free help for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and trafficking in Greater Manchester. Learn more at reachnh.org.
“We are deeply grateful to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for their generous support of REACH Crisis Services,” said Lisa Dunlap, Executive Director of REACH Crisis Services. “Their commitment to our mission helps ensure that survivors have access to critical advocacy, safety planning, emergency support, and other resources they need. Partnerships like this strengthen our community and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Vermont
Alzheimer’s Association – Vermont Chapter
The Alzheimer’s Association Vermont Chapter offers support to anyone facing Alzheimer’s, advocation for the needs of those with dementia and supporting research leading to methods of treatment and prevention. Learn more at alz.org/vermont.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for their generous support. Alzheimer’s disease touches thousands of families across Vermont, with more than 13,000 Vermonters living with Alzheimer’s and tens of thousands of family members and friends providing care every day,” said Jazmin Ferrari, Development Manager of the Vermont Chapter. “Your donation helps ensure that local families have access to critical education, support programs, care consultations, and our free 24/7 Helpline while also advancing research toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.”
OUR House of Central Vermont
OUR House of Central Vermont, based in Barre, provides advocacy and specialized care for children moving from trauma to healing. Established in 1989, OUR House was Vermont's first Children's Advocacy Center and is proud to be celebrating more than 35 years of helping the children of central Vermont. Learn more at ourhousecentralvt.com.
“We are incredibly grateful to the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for selecting OUR House of Central VT through the Casual for a Cause program,” said Rebecca Duranleau, Executive Director of OUR House of Central Vermont. “Their generosity will help expand our child abuse prevention materials, allowing us to reach more children, families, and community members with education that promotes safety, awareness, and prevention. Partnerships like this strengthen our entire community.”
Williamstown Food Shelf
The Williamstown Food Shelf provides food assistance to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
“The Williamstown Food Shelf wants to thank the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and the Bank itself for their kindness and generosity,” said Rama Schneider, Board Member and Volunteer. “We literally could not continue doing what we do week after week without community support such as this.”
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 the Common Good Soup Kitchen (CGSK). Pictured from left to right: Abby Welch, Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT; Charlotte Brugman, Customer Service Representative at BHBT; Claire Ohmeis, Branch Sales and Service Lead at BHBT; Avery Nanni, Customer Service Representative at BHBT; Ali McDermott, Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT; Marlene Davis, CGSK volunteer; and Debra Estep, Executive Director at CGSK.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to the Island Community Center (ICC). Pictured from left to right: Meghan VanDeGenachte, Personal Banker at BHBT; Taylor Staples, Customer Service Representative at BHBT; Laura Butler-Leavitt, Customer Service Representative at BHBT; Laura Corridan, Customer Service Representative at BHBT; Rebecca Emerson, VP Community and Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT; Jeannie Hatch, Executive Director at ICC; Audrey Hamblen, volunteer at ICC; Joseph Grey, Co-President at ICC; and Adeline Webb and Emma Webb, camp participants with ICC.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to Island Institute. Pictured from left to right: Mikayla Brazier, Branch Sales and Service Lead at BHBT; Peggy Young, AVP Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT; Jesse Blackburn, Major Gift Officer at Island Institute; Sam Vail, Associate Director of Philanthropy at Island Institute; and Emma Perry, Grant Writer at Island Institute.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to the Manufacturers Association of Maine (MAME). Pictured from left to right: Jack Frost, VP Director of Community Giving at BHBT; Jenn Seekins, SVP Treasury and Payment Services Manager at BHBT; and John Lewis, Executive Director at MAME.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to Schoodic Institute. Pictured from left to right: Megan Leach, Customer Service Representative at BHBT; Andrew Somes, VP Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT; and Nick Fishichelli, Schoodic Institute President & CEO.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley (SVBGC). Pictured from left to right: Shane Klardie, VP Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT; Penny MacFarlane, Assistant Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT; Nicole Forsyth, SVBGC Executive Director; Holly Bly, SVBGC Director of Development; Charles Seugling, SVP Regional Market Manager at BHBT; and Mike Woodbury, VP Treasury Services Officer at BHBT.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice (LSRVH). Pictured from left to right: Charles Seugling, SVP Regional Market Manager at BHBT; Katie Paine, AVP Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT; Tom Cleaveland, Customer Service Representative at BHBT; Abby Jamieson, Customer Service Representative at BHBT; Shannon Macleod, Customer Service Representative at BHBT; Cathy Raymond, LSRVH Development Officer; and Andrea Patrick-Baudet, LSRVH President & CEO.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to the REACH Crisis Services. Pictured from left to right: Mike Justason, VP Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT; Lexus Sampaio, Customer Service Representative at BHBT; and Lisa Dunlap, REACH Executive Director.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to OUR House of Central Vermont. Pictured from left to right: Tammy Bousquet, Customer Service Representative at BHBT; Rebecca Duranleau, Executive Director of OUR House Exec Director; and Amy Chamberlin, AVP Treasury & Payment Services Officer at BHBT.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to Alzheimer’s Association Vermont Chapter. Pictured from left to right: Betsey Bianchi, Alzheimer’s Association Care Team Manager; Jazmin Ferrari, Alzheimer’s Association Development Manager; and Sheila McCutcheon, Branch Relationship Manager at BHBT.
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (BHBT) presents a donation from the Bank’s Casual for a Cause program to the Williamstown Food Shelf (WFS). Pictured from left to right: Tammy Bousquet, Customer Service Representative at BHBT; Amy Chamberlin, AVP Treasury & Payment Services Officer at BHBT; Karen Graves, WFS; Kathleen Ducharme, WFS; Horace Duke, Jr., WFS; and Anne Maxham, Compliance Analyst at BHBT.