By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — The excitement level was at an all-time high for the 2012 Cute, Cuddly, Critter Campaign at each of the 14 branches of Katahdin Trust Company in Aroostook County. Over 1,000 stuffed animals – “Cute Cuddly Critters” – were purchased at $10 each by loyal customers, staff and community patrons during the recent six-week campaign for the local disaster relief fund of the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Staff members from the 14 Aroostook County branches of Katahdin Trust Company reached record sales during the month of February, when they encouraged their banking customers to purchase one (or more) of the Cuddly Critters on display at the locations, benefiting the Aroostook County branch of the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter. The result of their month-long efforts was evident when a check in the amount of $10,500 was presented to Joyce Knorr, branch manager of the Red Cross Pine Tree Chapter. From left are Peggy Smith, Katahdin Trust Co. Caribou branch manager; Carrie Hull, Washburn and Easton branch manager and a member of the Pine Tree Chapter board of directors; and Knorr.
“Everyone loved the wide variety and the high quality of the Mary Meyer stuffed animals this year,” stated Carrie Hull, Easton branch manager and campaign organizer. “They sold themselves – our customers come back every year to support this campaign and this year was remarkable. We featured an internal competition among the branch offices, which really kept our staff motivated and enthusiastic throughout the campaign. Our staff makes sure our customers know that the proceeds of their purchase go toward helping the Red Cross provide immediate, disaster-related needs to local families in need of a warm and safe place to stay, food, clothing, and other necessary items for their recovery,” Hull added.
“We were so thrilled to hear the Critters had all been sold,” said Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County branch manager for the American Red Cross – Pine Tree Chapter. “We are so thankful to everyone involved and are very proud to have these good folks at Katahdin Trust Company as our friends, supporters and partners in service to the people of Aroostook County.”
According to Knorr, the bank has been a valued partner of the local Red Cross for years, helping County residents through corporate gifts, employee gifts and acting as a champion of the Red Cross. Over the past 12 years, the bank and its customers have helped raise nearly $100,000 with the sale of thousands of Critters – all to benefit the local Red Cross.
“We are extremely pleased with this year’s fund-raising effort,” said Vicki Smith, senior vice president of marketing and communications at Katahdin Trust. “We realize that funds are constantly needed to provide help to local victims who experience home fires or other major disasters. The local Red Cross depends on generous County contributors for its disaster relief and other important services,” she added. “This annual fundraiser provides an opportunity for our customers and employees to help those in need in our local area who are coping with a disaster.”
