HRH Auxiliary vying for votes in ‘Community Matters More’ contest

    BANGOR — Bangor Savings Bank Foundation began its annual grant-making initiative, Community Matters More, Jan. 23. Through this charitable program, Maine’s largest independent bank is asking Maine residents to weigh in on how best to allocate $100,000 the bank has pledged to give to 68 Maine nonprofit organizations.
    This year’s effort is expected to result in tens of thousands of Maine citizens participating and casting their votes over the next six weeks. Last year, Mainers cast nearly 90,000 votes for hundreds of nonprofits resulting in 68 grants.
Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
READY TO VOTE — Chris Nickerson, left, vice president/northern regional market manager for Bangor Savings Bank, gives Eleanore Harvey ballots for the “Community Matters More” contest to be given out to those visiting the Houlton Regional Hospital Gift Shop. Ballots can be picked up and returned at any Bangor Savings Bank location or completed online.
    In the Northern region, which includes Aroostook County, individuals may vote for Houlton Regional Hospital Auxiliary; House in the Woods, Inc.; KFI; Moosehead Historical Society and Museum; Pine Tree Hospice; or the JD Foundation. There are also three blanks for write-in groups.
    Since its inception in 2007, Community Matters More has provided $500,000 in total grants to hundreds of Maine nonprofits.
    “What started as a way for Bangor Savings Bank to send a message to communities that we care about helping Maine’s nonprofits and the important work they do, has now become an important source of funds for many local nonprofits. It’s been especially gratifying to have so many caring Mainers casting votes each year and involving them in the process,” said Yellow Light Breen, executive vice president at Bangor Savings Bank.
    Each of the 48 non-profits listed on the ballot will receive at least a $1,000 grant for participating in the program, and the top 20 write-ins that get the most public support will also receive a grant from the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation. The organizations with the most votes in each of the eight regions (including write-ins) will receive $5,000 each.
    Votes can be easily cast online at www.bangor.com/cmm. Paper ballots are also available at Bangor Savings branches statewide, and at each of the participating nonprofits. Any Maine resident is eligible to vote for up to three nonprofits. The voting period ends March 5, with winners announced by the end of March.