Employee volunteerism at People's United is an important part of our culture. You can see People's United
employees involved in community service activities throughout the region-- from the local cancer walk-a-thon to
serving in leadership positions on nonprofit boards. The bank recognizes employees' dedication to community
service with several different internal awards.
Members of the Finance Division Charity Committee
recently held a fundraiser to purchase books for Action for Bridgeport Community Development, Inc. (ABCD) located
in Bridgeport. ABCD is a non-profit agency, designed as the anti-poverty agency for the Greater Bridgeport Area
in September of 1964 by the Office of Economic Opportunity. The agency presently serves more than 35,000
individuals annually through its broad range of services in a six-town area, covering Bridgeport, Easton,
Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull, Connecticut.
People's United employees brought their "gently used" or new items to work, to be raffled off to other
employees. Raffle tickets were sold, the proceeds of which were used to buy books to be given to ABCD-financed
preschools.
"A $10 donation buys more than five books," said Finance Division Charity Committee Co-chair Cindy Butkovsky who
helped coordinate the raffle. In the end, the Finance Division Charity Committee was able to donate more than 275
books with proceeds from the raffle. Through a separate fundraiser held after the raffle, it was able to donate
an additional 380 books. Preschoolers who receive the books will be able to take them home to read with their
families and continue learning.
Peggy Morin, a Loan Administration Officer in Portland,
Maine, was recognized as the bank's 2008 America's Promise Volunteer. She received her award from Maine Governor
John Baldacci on March 20. The America's Promise Volunteer Awards are presented each year by the Maine Banker's
Association to spotlight individuals in the banking industry who exemplify and make outstanding contributions to
Maine's long tradition of community service. As PTO President and active board member, Peggy led efforts that
raised $50,000 for the Riverton School's Arts Enrichment program for students in Kindergarten through grade 5. In
addition to introducing children to music, theater and creative writing, the funds supported field trips to help
students learn about Maine's rich history and culture as well as ensure no child is left out of these activities
due to limited financial means. Students with special needs have also benefited through the purchase of audio
equipment that enhances their learning experience.
America's Promise is a national not-for-profit organization that encourages public, private and nonprofit
organizations to focus their combined talents and resources to improve the lives of our nation's youth.
Employees of the Main Street branch recently held a food drive to support disadvantaged families in their area.
Through the efforts of Victor Ricapito, Elizabeth
Ciannella, Jackie Torpey and Ann Werleman, the bank was able to provide a sizable donation of groceries to the
Gray House of Springfield, a human services agency which provides food for families in need as well as a family
chosen by Jewish Family Services of Western Massachusetts.
The Shirs family, a Somalian family who arrived in the United States one week before the holidays, was chosen by
Jewish Family services to receive additional aid. The family of eight, including six children whose ages range
from one to 14 had lived in a refugee camp in Kenya since 1991 and came to the U.S. with little else but hope.
After hearing their courageous story, employees decide to expand their efforts to assist the family with their
transition to life in Springfield. The second collection drive was an even greater success. Donations from
employees and customers included clothes, toys, books and food. Cash donations were also collected and given to
the family.
Despite the language barrier, the family was able to communicate their joy and great appreciation for the
generous outpouring from of Massachusetts employees and customers. We have always taken an active role in the
support of its community and this demonstration of goodwill was one more example of its ongoing commitment to
those in need.
The Jaffrey branch staff, along with the help of
its customers, recently collected 100 pounds of food to donate to the Community Kitchen.
The Community Kitchen provides hot meals and take home food boxes to residents in the Monadnock Region. The
Kitchen serves 952,700 meals annually with the help from the Monadnock United Way, local companies and agencies
and many kind individuals.
People’s United Bank recently participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters 29th Annual Bowl for
Kids’ Sake fundraising event.
For over a decade area employees have volunteered as official “bankers” and counting incoming cash or bowled on
teams to help raise money to continue the commitment to area youth.
This year’s team The Strike Outs and team members Corey Olbrych, Katie Dearborn, Jen Kurkul, Lynda Walker and
Abbie and Colby Dearborn bowled for an hour and raised nearly $500.
Money raised at the Bowl for Kids’ Sake events goes to provide caring adult mentors for kids who really benefit
from having a caring mentor in their lives. This year individuals and teams bowled for an hour and raised
$51,000, exceeding the event goal of $45,000.
“It is only through the generous support of local businesses such as People’s United Bank, that Youth Services
can provide the Big Brother Big Sisters program,” said Robert Szpila, Program Manager, Big Brothers, Big Sisters
of Windham County.
“We are proud of People’s history of sponsorship, that spans over a decade, making a positive difference in the
lives of local youth,” said Deanna Carroll, Financial Services Manager, People’s United Bank.
People’s United Bank has a long history of financial and volunteer support of Girls on the Run Vermont, the
umbrella organization for two experiential learning programs: Girls on the Run, for grades 3 through 5, and Girls
on Track, for grades 6 through 8.
At a recent event, People’s employees and family members joined in to support over 2,500 elementary school
girls, their families, teachers, friends and community members who participated in a 5K run at the Champlain
Valley Expo.Michael Seaver, Vermont President was the official starter of the event and People’s employees
volunteered by handing out medals to finishers as they crossed the finish line.
This year’s donation will go toward scholarships for girls who otherwise would not be able to take part in the
program and to help defray costs associated with the northern Vermont New Balance Girls on the Run 5K.
“A girl who believes in herself becomes more outgoing and more willing to take healthy risks,” said Nancy
Heydinger, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Vermont. “We truly appreciate the years of
volunteer and financial and printing support that People’s has provided the program. The support of
People’s has helped us to bring the program to new locations and to allow more girls to participate. We are
impressed with People’s commitment of staff and other resources in helping communities and nonprofits
thrive.”
“We are proud of our continued support of Girls on the Run Vermont and their programs that encourage girls
to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running,” said Kathy Schirling, Director of Marketing and
Community Services at People’s United Bank.
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