Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s Employee-Driven Charitable Giving Program Presents More than $20,000 in Donations to Ten Nonprofit Organizations Serving Northern New England
June 10, 2025
Bar Harbor, Maine – Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees recently presented more than $20,000 in donations collected through the Bank’s employee-driven charitable giving program, Casual for a Cause, to ten organizations serving communities in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The recipients of the donations collected during the first quarter of 2025 are:
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 $392,000 has been donated since the program began in 2018.
“Casual for a Cause is successful because our employees care very deeply about the communities where they live and work,” said Jack Frost, VP Director of Community Giving at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. “Their generosity has made a tremendous impact on both the nonprofit and community organizations selected for the donations and the people they serve.”
Recipients of Q1 2025 Donations
Maine
Cobscook Institute
Cobscook Institute is an arts- and education-focused community development organization whose mission is to create responsive educational opportunities that strengthen personal, community, and global well-being. The organization offers a public four-year high school program in addition to programs that include summer camp and a writing retreat. Learn more at cobscookinstitute.org.
“On behalf of Cobscook Institute and the people of Washington County and Passamaquoddy Territory that we serve, I want to thank Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and its employees,” said Shaun Haskins, Co-Executive Director of Cobscook Institute. “This kind of support makes possible a broad range of outdoor, arts, and educational programming that might not otherwise be available to the kids and families of our region.”
Henry D. Moore Parish House & Library
The Henry D. Moore Parish House & Library has been serving the community since its construction in 1911. Its mission is to further the artistic, cultural, educational, civic, and social enrichment of the local community by providing a public library, community center meeting spaces for groups and individuals to use, and an assortment of programming and events for the benefit of all. Learn more at moorelibrary.org.
“We are so pleased to be receiving a donation from Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s Casual for a Cause program,” said Jeanne Benedict, Library Director of Henry D. Moore Parish House & Library. “Not only will this donation benefit our mission to provide resources and programs for our patrons from Steuben and surrounding communities, but it's also wonderful to feel supported by our local bank and its employees.”
Messenger Animal Rescue, Inc.
Messenger Animal Rescue is a nonprofit animal rescue dedicated to help stray, abandoned, surrendered, and abused animals. The organization gives animals a second chance in life with patience, compassion, and care. Learn more at facebook.com/messengeranimalrescue.
“Donations like this help tremendously with the cost of spay/neuter and vaccines for the animals,” said Sarah Strout, President of Messenger Animal Rescue, Inc. “We are so appreciative of those that help us enrich the lives of the animals that come into our care. A heartfelt thank you, from me and all the shelter animals.”
Old Town-Orono YMCA
Old Town-Orono YMCA strives to be a trusted, collaborative heart in the communities they serve by creating connections through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The organization serves more than 3,000 members, from infants to seniors, and raises funds each year to ensure their programs are available to all regardless of the ability to pay. Learn more at otoymca.org.
“Thank you to the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for choosing the Old Town-Orono YMCA as a Casual for a Cause recipient,” said Scott Wilcox, CEO of Old Town-Orono YMCA. “This generous gift supports our mission to build a stronger, healthier community for all—helping us provide access, support, and connection where it’s needed most.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Maine provides comfort for the families of pediatric patients and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of all children. The organization has houses in Bangor and Portland to provide families a place to stay near the hospital where their child is being treated. Learn more at rmhcmaine.org.
“Your generosity ensures parents and caregivers can stay near their child receiving critical medical care, providing a true 'home away from home' during challenging times,” said Julie Mulkern, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine. “It costs RMHC roughly $100 per night to host a family, and in 2024, the average length of stay was one week. Your donation covers the full stay for two families while their children receive vital care at nearby medical and mental health facilities.”
Waterville Historical Society
Waterville Historical Society was founded in 1903 to preserve Waterville's historic artifacts and to promote the city’s unique history and rich cultural heritage through events and educational programming offered to the general public. The organization’s most recognizable artifact is the Redington Museum, which has the Redington Home, built in 1814, as its anchor. Learn more at watervillehistoricalsociety.org.
“A big thank you to the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for choosing Waterville Historical Society & Redington Museum as a recipient of your Casual for a Cause fundraiser,” said Jessica Couture, Outreach & Educator Coordinator at Waterville Historical Society. “As caretakers of greater Waterville area’s history, your donation will help us preserve and share historical items for today and future generations. This will add depth, interest, and new discoveries to our tours, presentations, and exhibits.”
New Hampshire
Contooscook Housing Trust
Contooscook Housing Trust provides affordable rental and homeownership opportunities for low and moderate income families living in Antrim, Bennington, Hillsborough, and Peterborough, New Hampshire. Since its founding in 1990, the nonprofit organization has acquired 14 rental properties, which provide 57 units of safe, affordable housing. Learn more at housingtrust.org.
“Thank you so much to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and all its employees for your generous donation to our nonprofit organization,” said Liz Ogden, Executive Director of Contooscook Housing Trust. “Your support helps us continue our mission of offering affordable housing to low and moderate income families in our community. We truly appreciate your commitment to our cause!”
Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre Trust aims to enrich the cultural life of Manchester, New Hampshire, and serve as a community resource through its stewardship of the historic Palace Theatre. The organization provides a broad range of live, high quality, professional and community performances, as well as educational opportunities for performers and audiences of all ages. Learn more at palacetheatre.org.
“We are incredibly grateful to Bar Harbor Bank and its employees for recognizing the Palace Theatres with their generous gift,” said Peter Ramsey, President and CEO of the Palace Theatre Trust. “The support provided to our organization allows us to continue providing the community with top-notch professional entertainment at our treasured, historic venues. It also provides numerous opportunities for children and adults to learn the fundamentals of and experience the joy of live performance.”
Vermont
Brandon Senior Citizens Center
Brandon Senior Citizens Center began as a club in the 1930s and serves as a hub of social activity for many community residents. The center offers a free community lunch every week as well as numerous other offerings such as exercise classes and wellness clinics. Learn more at brandon.org/business/brandon-senior-citizens-center-inc.
“We cannot express enough how much we appreciate you sharing with us and please know that your kindness makes a tremendous difference in the community,” said Kathy Mathis, President of Brandon Senior Citizens Center.
Ty View Farm & Camps
Ty View Farms & Camps is a nonprofit horsemanship and riding facility where horses help kids and adults grow more confident, resilient, and kind. The organization offers a culture of kindness where the pressures of everyday living can be put on hold and where peace, personal growth, and paying it forward take precedent. Learn more at tyviewfarm.org.
“Thank you so much for this amazing gift,” said Terrie Farnham, Executive Director of Ty View Farm & Camps. “Your generosity will go a long way toward helping Ty View Farm meet the objectives we've established for 2025.”
Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB) is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Operating over 50 locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine and has more than $4 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.
- Maine
- Cobscook Institute
- Henry D. Moore Parish House & Library
- Messenger Animal Rescue, Inc.
- Old Town-Orono YMCA
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine
- Waterville Historical Society
- New Hampshire
- Contoocook Housing Trust
- Palace Theatre
- Vermont
- Brandon Senior Citizens Center
- Ty View Farm & Camps
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 $392,000 has been donated since the program began in 2018.
“Casual for a Cause is successful because our employees care very deeply about the communities where they live and work,” said Jack Frost, VP Director of Community Giving at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. “Their generosity has made a tremendous impact on both the nonprofit and community organizations selected for the donations and the people they serve.”
Recipients of Q1 2025 Donations
Maine
Cobscook Institute
Cobscook Institute is an arts- and education-focused community development organization whose mission is to create responsive educational opportunities that strengthen personal, community, and global well-being. The organization offers a public four-year high school program in addition to programs that include summer camp and a writing retreat. Learn more at cobscookinstitute.org.
“On behalf of Cobscook Institute and the people of Washington County and Passamaquoddy Territory that we serve, I want to thank Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and its employees,” said Shaun Haskins, Co-Executive Director of Cobscook Institute. “This kind of support makes possible a broad range of outdoor, arts, and educational programming that might not otherwise be available to the kids and families of our region.”
Henry D. Moore Parish House & Library
The Henry D. Moore Parish House & Library has been serving the community since its construction in 1911. Its mission is to further the artistic, cultural, educational, civic, and social enrichment of the local community by providing a public library, community center meeting spaces for groups and individuals to use, and an assortment of programming and events for the benefit of all. Learn more at moorelibrary.org.
“We are so pleased to be receiving a donation from Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s Casual for a Cause program,” said Jeanne Benedict, Library Director of Henry D. Moore Parish House & Library. “Not only will this donation benefit our mission to provide resources and programs for our patrons from Steuben and surrounding communities, but it's also wonderful to feel supported by our local bank and its employees.”
Messenger Animal Rescue, Inc.
Messenger Animal Rescue is a nonprofit animal rescue dedicated to help stray, abandoned, surrendered, and abused animals. The organization gives animals a second chance in life with patience, compassion, and care. Learn more at facebook.com/messengeranimalrescue.
“Donations like this help tremendously with the cost of spay/neuter and vaccines for the animals,” said Sarah Strout, President of Messenger Animal Rescue, Inc. “We are so appreciative of those that help us enrich the lives of the animals that come into our care. A heartfelt thank you, from me and all the shelter animals.”
Old Town-Orono YMCA
Old Town-Orono YMCA strives to be a trusted, collaborative heart in the communities they serve by creating connections through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The organization serves more than 3,000 members, from infants to seniors, and raises funds each year to ensure their programs are available to all regardless of the ability to pay. Learn more at otoymca.org.
“Thank you to the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for choosing the Old Town-Orono YMCA as a Casual for a Cause recipient,” said Scott Wilcox, CEO of Old Town-Orono YMCA. “This generous gift supports our mission to build a stronger, healthier community for all—helping us provide access, support, and connection where it’s needed most.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Maine provides comfort for the families of pediatric patients and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of all children. The organization has houses in Bangor and Portland to provide families a place to stay near the hospital where their child is being treated. Learn more at rmhcmaine.org.
“Your generosity ensures parents and caregivers can stay near their child receiving critical medical care, providing a true 'home away from home' during challenging times,” said Julie Mulkern, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine. “It costs RMHC roughly $100 per night to host a family, and in 2024, the average length of stay was one week. Your donation covers the full stay for two families while their children receive vital care at nearby medical and mental health facilities.”
Waterville Historical Society
Waterville Historical Society was founded in 1903 to preserve Waterville's historic artifacts and to promote the city’s unique history and rich cultural heritage through events and educational programming offered to the general public. The organization’s most recognizable artifact is the Redington Museum, which has the Redington Home, built in 1814, as its anchor. Learn more at watervillehistoricalsociety.org.
“A big thank you to the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for choosing Waterville Historical Society & Redington Museum as a recipient of your Casual for a Cause fundraiser,” said Jessica Couture, Outreach & Educator Coordinator at Waterville Historical Society. “As caretakers of greater Waterville area’s history, your donation will help us preserve and share historical items for today and future generations. This will add depth, interest, and new discoveries to our tours, presentations, and exhibits.”
New Hampshire
Contooscook Housing Trust
Contooscook Housing Trust provides affordable rental and homeownership opportunities for low and moderate income families living in Antrim, Bennington, Hillsborough, and Peterborough, New Hampshire. Since its founding in 1990, the nonprofit organization has acquired 14 rental properties, which provide 57 units of safe, affordable housing. Learn more at housingtrust.org.
“Thank you so much to Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and all its employees for your generous donation to our nonprofit organization,” said Liz Ogden, Executive Director of Contooscook Housing Trust. “Your support helps us continue our mission of offering affordable housing to low and moderate income families in our community. We truly appreciate your commitment to our cause!”
Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre Trust aims to enrich the cultural life of Manchester, New Hampshire, and serve as a community resource through its stewardship of the historic Palace Theatre. The organization provides a broad range of live, high quality, professional and community performances, as well as educational opportunities for performers and audiences of all ages. Learn more at palacetheatre.org.
“We are incredibly grateful to Bar Harbor Bank and its employees for recognizing the Palace Theatres with their generous gift,” said Peter Ramsey, President and CEO of the Palace Theatre Trust. “The support provided to our organization allows us to continue providing the community with top-notch professional entertainment at our treasured, historic venues. It also provides numerous opportunities for children and adults to learn the fundamentals of and experience the joy of live performance.”
Vermont
Brandon Senior Citizens Center
Brandon Senior Citizens Center began as a club in the 1930s and serves as a hub of social activity for many community residents. The center offers a free community lunch every week as well as numerous other offerings such as exercise classes and wellness clinics. Learn more at brandon.org/business/brandon-senior-citizens-center-inc.
“We cannot express enough how much we appreciate you sharing with us and please know that your kindness makes a tremendous difference in the community,” said Kathy Mathis, President of Brandon Senior Citizens Center.
Ty View Farm & Camps
Ty View Farms & Camps is a nonprofit horsemanship and riding facility where horses help kids and adults grow more confident, resilient, and kind. The organization offers a culture of kindness where the pressures of everyday living can be put on hold and where peace, personal growth, and paying it forward take precedent. Learn more at tyviewfarm.org.
“Thank you so much for this amazing gift,” said Terrie Farnham, Executive Director of Ty View Farm & Camps. “Your generosity will go a long way toward helping Ty View Farm meet the objectives we've established for 2025.”
Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB) is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Operating over 50 locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine and has more than $4 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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Contact:
Margie Gray, VP Marketing Operations
mgray@barharbor.bank, (888) 853-7100 x 14557
