This summer, Kennebunk Savings demonstrated its deep commitment to community through its long-standing Community Promise program. The program has reinvested 10% of the Bank’s post-tax earnings into the community by supporting local nonprofits, which now totals over $20 million in donations over 31 years. Across the region, the Bank supported fourteen summer concert series, four library summer reading programs, and nine summer 5k fundraisers.
“Summer in New England is always busy – it’s a time when many of our nonprofit partners host their signature events, helping them to secure their operational funding for the year,” observed Doug Smith, the Bank’s Social Responsibility Manager. “It’s a perfect time to lend our support. Not to mention that the events are really fun!”
The Bank’s crew turned out to help facilitate the Caring Unlimited Community 5k fundraiser (an event the Bank also sponsored) – managing registration desks, road crossings, and refreshment stands. They also baked cookies and handed out swag for the Sanford Backpack Program at the Nasson Community Center Block Party, and pitched in for the Southern Maine leg of the Bike MS fundraiser.
One annual summer program the Bank loves sponsoring is Special Surfers, a nonprofit that provides surfing experiences to individuals with disabilities. “I love watching the kids and the adults get out in the water with the feeling they can do anything, knowing it’s their night,” said Wendy LeBright, Senior Vice President and Operations Manager with Kennebunk Savings, a longtime volunteer for Special Surfers. “I especially enjoy coming back year after year and being able to see the children getting older and building confidence. You feel like the participants are family.”
Volunteering is a critical element of the Community Promise program and each year brings about several large volunteer events for the Bank’s staff. Kennebunk Savings volunteers helped assemble 23 bedframes for children in need in the parking lot of their Eliot Branch in June – an activity coordinated with the Rochester, NH chapter of the nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace. “We’re always looking for more opportunities to get out there and give back,” said Rachel Peter, Community Engagement Administrator.
