Special donation amount commemorates the Bank’s 150th Anniversary

FLORENCE—In its 21st year, Florence Bank’s Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program awarded $150,000 to 46 area nonprofits in honor of the bank’s 150th anniversary.

“I know the total we announced we would award this year was $125,000, but I feel like $150,000 would be a more appropriate amount to celebrate the 150 years that Florence Bank has been in existence,” said President and CEO Matt Garrity in leading his first Customers’ Choice celebration Tuesday, May 16. 

“It’s amazing to see so many community organizations being recognized, and the fact that the recognition comes from Florence Bank customers in the form of votes is really special,” he added. “So, let’s all raise our glasses and toast the good things that have been around for a long time.” 

Garrity handed checks to 46 nonprofit leaders across the region, awarding 13 with $5,000 gifts—the most ever granted in 21 years—and presenting $500 surprise awards to 10 organizations that fell just short of the required 50-vote count.

These organizations received $5,000 grants: Dakin Humane Society, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Amherst Survival Center, Friends of the Williamsburg Library, Northampton Survival Center, Goshen Firefighter’s Association, Inc., Cancer Connection, Manna Soup Kitchen, It Takes a Village, Friends of Forbes Library, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Our Lady of the Hills Parish, and Friends of Lilly Library.

And these organizations received unexpected $500 awards: the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hampshire County, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke, Gray House, Holyoke Community College Foundation, Mental Health Association, Inc., Springfield Rescue Mission, The Parish Cupboard, and Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center.

As always, the festivities at Look Park were celebratory as nonprofit leaders expressed their gratitude for Florence Bank as a community partner.

“This grant will do us a world of good,” said Kevin McKinney, president of the Northampton Football League, which received an award for the first time in the amount of $2,545. “We will likely use the funds for new shoulder pads or other safety equipment. The money will help us keep kids safe and healthy. That’s our main focus at Northampton Football.”

McKinney added that he believes Florence Bank is the local bank that’s most involved in the community. 

Kristin DeBoer, executive director of Kestrel Land Trust, an organization based in Amherst that has a mission to conserve, care for, and connect to the forest land and river ways of the Connecticut River of Massachusetts, also expressed appreciation.

“We’re grateful for engagement by local business leaders such as Florence Bank,” she said. “Conservation matters to everyone. It makes sense to have local businesses engaged in the mission of local land conservation.”

Kestrel has received a Florence Bank grant eight times and accepted $3,427 this year. DeBoer said in the past, the funds have been used for programming that allows urban youth to access conservation land and make it relevant and real to them as a place they can enjoy. 

This year, the grant money will be used to help in gathering community input on how to revitalize an urban forest park in Holyoke, called Anniversary Hill. The natural park has a significant trail network that could be improved and enjoyed by nearby residents and families in Holyoke.

Florence Bank’s community grants program is an annual offering founded in 2002 and, through it, Florence Bank customers are invited to vote for their favorite local nonprofit in hopes it will receive a share of grant funding.

Voting takes place all year long, online at www.florencebank.com/vote and in bank branches, and each customer has only one vote. To qualify for a community grant, organizations must receive at least 50 votes. In 2022, roughly 7,000 votes were cast, making 36 nonprofits eligible for a grant; the other 10 funded organizations were invited to attend the event and were surprised with their $500 award.

Over the past 21 years, Florence Bank has donated a total of $1.5 million to 165 organizations.

At the 21st annual event, Northampton Youth Football was the only organization to receive funds for the first time, and four awards went to organizations in Hampden County, where Florence Bank now has three branches and has established a presence as a good neighbor. 

Organizations receiving awards range from police, fire, library, and school groups to nonprofits that provide food, shelter or support to people living with a serious illness or disability. These other organizations received an award: 

Williamsburg Firefighter Association, $4,701; Bernese Auction Rescue Coalition / BARC, Inc., $4,652; Easthampton Community Center, $4,309; Friends of M.N. Spear Memorial Library, $4,064; Northampton Neighbors, $4,064; Springfield Shriners Hospitals for Children, $3,917; Grow Food Northampton, Inc., $3,819; Amherst Neighbors, $3,721; Smith Vocational High School PTO, $3,721; Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, $3,624; Performing Arts Charter School, $3,575; Therapeutic Equestrian Center, $3,575; Edward Hopkins Educational Foundation, $3,330; Northampton Community Music Center, $3,232; Safe Passage, $3,134; Empty Arms Bereavement Support, $2,987; New Hingham Elementary School PTO, $2,987; R.K. Finn Ryan Road School, $2,889; Whole Children, $2,693; Belchertown K-9, $2,595; and Tapestry $2,448.

Visit florencebank.com/winners-list to download the complete list of grant recipients.

Florence Bank has branches in Amherst, Belchertown, Chicopee, Easthampton, Granby, Hadley, Northampton, Williamsburg, West Springfield, Springfield, and it is headquartered in Florence.

About Florence Bank

Florence Bank is a mutual savings bank chartered in 1873. Currently, the bank serves the Pioneer Valley through 12 full-service branch locations in Florence, Northampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Granby, Chicopee, West Springfield, and Springfield. Additionally, it offers 25 ATMs and a wide range of financial services, including investment management through FSB Financial Group (FSBFG) to consumers and businesses. Florence Bank is consistently voted best local bank by the readers of the Valley Advocate and the Daily Hampshire Gazette.

The post Florence Bank Awarded $150,000 to Local Nonprofits at 21st Annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Event appeared first on Beetle Press.

FLORENCE—Florence Bank celebrated its 20th annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program gala last week, awarding $100,000 to 45 nonprofits across the Valley. And at the close of the event, President and CEO Kevin Day drew cheers from the audience of nonprofit leaders, announcing that giving will increase to $125,000.

“Some of you longtime recipients may recall when we began this great program back in 2002, we started by giving away $50,000,” Day said. “Years later we increased to $75,000 and then to $100,000. We’ve decided to increase the total grant amount again—to $125,000—immediately, for grants to be awarded at next year’s gala.

“My hope is that our customers continue to use this program to provide you with a vote of confidence, as well as some much-needed funding to help you continue your mission to serve the community,” he added. “All of us at Florence Bank truly appreciate everything you do to make our communities better places to live and work.”

Day’s announcement was the second commemoration of the evening, the first coming as he called for bank and nonprofit staff and leaders to raise a glass to toast the event’s 20th year. “We can’t let that go without celebration,” he said. 

Florence Bank’s community grants program is an annual offering founded in 2002, and, through it, Florence Bank customers are invited to vote for their favorite local nonprofit in hopes it will receive a share of grant funding.

Voting takes place all year long, online at www.florencebank.com/vote and in bank branches, and each customer has only one vote. To qualify for a community grant, organizations must receive at least 50 votes. In 2021, roughly 7,000 votes were cast, making 45 nonprofits eligible for a grant.

Over the past 20 years, Florence Bank has tallied more than 141,000 customer votes and given grants to roughly 164 different organizations.

At its 20th annual event, held May 19 at Frank Newhall Look Memorial Park, the bank offered awards to 45 nonprofits and celebrated a total of $1.4 million in community giving through this one channel.

Six nonprofits received funding for the first time—some in Hampden County, where Florence Bank now has three branches and has established a presence as a good neighbor. Three recipients have accepted an award every year since the program launched. 

Four organizations received the maximum amount of $5,000 this year: Cancer Connection, Inc., Dakin Humane Society, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and Friends of Williamsburg Libraries.

“The commitment of Florence Bank customers to all of you serving the needs within our community is awesome, and we couldn’t be prouder to be able to support the programs our customers believe in,” Day said. 

Organizations receiving awards range from police, fire, library, and school groups to nonprofits that provide food, shelter, or support to people living with a serious illness or disability. 

In addition to the four top vote-getters, these other organizations received an award: 

Friends of Lilly Library, $4,097; Northampton Survival Center, $3,782; Amherst Survival Center, $3,588; Our Lady of the Hills Parish, $3,564; Friends of Forbes Library, $3,539; Goshen Firefighters Association, $3,370; Friends of Northampton Legion Baseball, $3,224; Easthampton Community Center, $2,909; It Takes a Village, $2,909; Williamsburg Firefighters Association, $2,642; Northampton Neighbors, $2,400; Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, $2,303; Belchertown Animal Relief Committee, Inc. (BARC), $2,230; Manna Community Kitchen, $2,109; Shriners Hospitals for Children, $1,988; J.F.K. Middle School PTO, $1,867; Kestrel Land Trust, $1,867; Northampton High School PTO, $1,794; Riverside Industries, Inc., $1,770; R.K. Finn Ryan Road School PTO, $1,648; Cooley Dickinson Hospital, $1,624; Safe Passage, $1,624; Northampton Community Music Center, $1,527; Therapeutic Equestrian Center, $1,527; Amherst Neighbors, $1,503; Friends of M.N. Spear Memorial Library, $1,455; Edward Hopkins Educational Foundation, $1,430; Grow Food Northampton, $1,430; Smith Vocational High School PTO, $1,333; Whole Children, $1,309; Easthampton Elementary Schools PTO, $1,164; Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity, $1,139; Hitchcock Center for the Environment, $1,115; Revitalize CDC, $1,091; The Parish Cupboard, $1,067; Belchertown Police K-9 Unit, $1,042; Cooley Dickinson Hospital VNA & Hospice, $1,042; Historic Northampton, $1,018; Granby Senior Center, $994; Leeds Elementary School PTO, $994; and Ludlow Boys & Girls Club, $970.

Visit florencebank.com/winners-list to download the complete list of grant recipients.

Florence Bank has branches in Amherst, Belchertown, Chicopee, Easthampton, Granby, Hadley, Northampton, Williamsburg, West Springfield, Springfield, and it is headquartered in Florence.

About Florence Bank

Florence Bank is a mutual savings bank chartered in 1873. Currently, the bank serves the Pioneer Valley through 12 full-service branch locations in Florence, Northampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Granby, Chicopee, West Springfield, and Springfield. Additionally, it offers 25 ATMs and a wide range of financial services, including investment management through FSB Financial Group (FSBFG) to consumers and businesses. Florence Bank is consistently voted best local bank by the readers of the Valley Advocate and the Daily Hampshire Gazette.

The post Florence Bank Celebrates 20th Annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program and Announces Giving will Increase to $125,000 appeared first on Beetle Press.

Several Hampden County nonprofits to receive awards for the first time at event at Frank Newhall Look Memorial Park on May 19

FLORENCE—For 20 years, Florence Bank has awarded grants of up to $5,000 each to dozens of nonprofits chosen by its customers, and at its annual gathering this year, it will once again offer up $100,000 to organizations that support young and old in the community.

At its 20th Annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants gala, to be held Thursday, May 19 at 5 p.m. at Frank Newhall Look Memorial Park, the bank will offer awards to 45 nonprofits and celebrate a total of $1.4 million in community giving through this one channel.

Organizations like Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield and the Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Holyoke will receive awards for the first time this year thanks to customer voting.

“We are so grateful,” said Stacey Perlmutter, director of development at Shriners Hospitals for Children—Springfield. “All care and services at Shriners Hospitals for Children are provided regardless of a family’s ability to pay. This grant money will help us to continue to provide life-changing pediatric specialty care to families throughout western Massachusetts and beyond.”

Likewise, Gerry O’Connor Page, the executive director of Therapeutic Equestrian Center (TEC) in Holyoke feels grateful for an assist that will help provide therapeutic horseback riding to individuals with physical, emotional, or psychological disabilities.

“We will use the money to enable us to keep prices down,” she said. “It helps make the service accessible.”

In the past, the bank has granted funds to some Hampden County-based nonprofits, such as Dakin Humane Society, which typically is the top vote-getter each year. This year, as Florence Bank develops its engagement in the southern county, the awards to organizations based there are increasing.

“We have branches now in West Springfield, Springfield, and Chicopee, and we very much want to be good neighbors in those communities,” Florence Bank President and CEO Kevin Day said. He noted that this year, the bank held a Zoominar event to educate Hampden County nonprofit leaders about the Customers’ Choice program.

“We wanted to be sure they were aware of the program so they could take part and have the best chance at success,” he said.

Florence Bank’s community grants program is an annual offering founded in 2002, and, through it, Florence Bank customers are invited to vote for their favorite local nonprofit in hopes it will receive a share of grant funding.

Voting takes place all year long, online at www.florencebank.com/vote and in bank branches, and each customer has only one vote. To qualify for a community grant, organizations must receive at least 50 votes. In 2021, roughly 6,700 votes were cast, making 45 nonprofits eligible for a grant.

Over the past 20 years, Florence Bank has tallied more than 141,000 customer votes and given grants to roughly 164 different organizations.

“From its founding, Florence Bank has had a commitment to serving as a community partner, and we are proud and honored to stand true to that mission today,” Day said. “We value these organizations that take care of our most vulnerable neighbors, and we thank our customers for supporting them with their votes.”

Organizations to receive awards this year range from police, fire, library, and school groups to nonprofits that provide food, shelter, or support to people living with a serious illness or disability. Leaders of these nonprofits will learn the amount of their award at the May event.

Perlmutter said the Springfield Shriners Hospital serves children from birth to age 18 with orthopedic, neuromuscular, and urologic conditions as well as cleft lip and palate. Services include surgery, physical and occupational rehabilitation and speech therapy, motion analysis, radiology, and orthotic and prosthetic care. The hospital cares for roughly 10,000 children each year.

Perlmutter took part in the bank’s educational Zoominar in the fall. “It was very informative and showed us that Florence Bank would be a great community partner,” she said. “It’s wonderful to have them in Hampden County and looking to make a difference for so many of their nonprofit neighbors.”

A leader from the equestrian center also took part in the Zoominar and became inspired. Located on the grounds of Jericho, TEC sits on 40 acres and serves about 60 riders per week.

“There are numerous benefits,” O’Connor Page said. “For someone with physical challenges, it helps develop and strengthen muscles. For kids with ADHD, the movement of the horse is calming and helps create focus. It helps with communication as riders learn those skills as they communicate clearly with the horse.”

In addition to Shriners Hospitals for Children—Springfield, the Therapeutic Equestrian Center, and Dakin, the following organizations received enough votes to qualify for a grant and will receive an award at the celebration: Amherst Neighbors, Amherst Survival Center, Belchertown Animal Relief Committee, Inc. (BARC), Belchertown K-9, Cancer Connection, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Cooley Dickinson Hospital VNA & Hospice, Easthampton Community Center, Easthampton Elementary Schools PTO, Edward Hopkins Educational Foundation, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Friends of Forbes Library, Friends of Lilly Library, Friends of M.N. Spear Memorial Library, Friends of Northampton Legion Baseball, Friends of the Williamsburg Library, Goshen Firefighters Association, Grow Food Northampton, Granby Senior Center, Habitat for Humanity Pioneer Valley, Historic Northampton, Hitchcock Center for the Environment, It Takes a Village, J.F.K. Middle School, Kestrel Land Trust, Leeds Elementary School PTO, Ludlow Boys & Girls Club, Manna Community Kitchen, Northampton Community Music Center, Northampton High School PTO, Northampton Neighbors, Northampton Survival Center, Our Lady of the Hills Parish, Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, Revitalize CDC, Riverside Industries, R.K. Finn Ryan Road School, Safe Passage, Smith Vocational High School PTO, The Parish Cupboard, Whole Children, and Williamsburg Firefighters Association.

Florence Bank has branches in Amherst, Belchertown, Chicopee, Easthampton, Granby, Hadley, Northampton, Williamsburg, West Springfield, Springfield, and it is headquartered in Florence.

About Florence Bank

Florence Bank is a mutual savings bank chartered in 1873. Currently, the bank serves the Pioneer Valley through 12 full-service branch locations in Florence, Northampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Granby, Chicopee, West Springfield, and Springfield. Additionally, it offers 25 ATMs and a wide range of financial services, including investment management through FSB Financial Group (FSBFG) to consumers and businesses. Florence Bank is consistently voted best local bank by the readers of the Valley Advocate and the Daily Hampshire Gazette.

The post Florence Bank to Celebrate 20th Annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program, Donating $100,000 to 45 Nonprofits appeared first on Beetle Press.

Event one of first to be held in region since the start of the pandemic

FLORENCE—Food insecurity skyrocketed in the past year in the Valley as the pandemic caused layoffs, slowdowns, and business closures, and the results of Florence Bank’s 19th Annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program reflect an awareness of the crisis. 

Last year, only 10 percent of Florence Bank customers cast votes for organizations that ease food insecurity. This year, twice as many votes were cast for the cause, perhaps because the bank itself committed to supporting organizations that focus on food insecurity at the start of the pandemic. Since March 2020, Florence Bank has donated $140,000 to help feed people who are hungry.

During its Customers’ Choice celebration on Tuesday, May 18 at Look Memorial Park, $21,528 of the $100,500 in grants that Florence Bank awarded to area nonprofits went to five organizations focused on feeding people. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Inc. and both the Amherst and Northampton Survival Centers each received $5,000; Manna Community Kitchen in Northampton, $3,933; and Easthampton Community Center, $2,595.

“Certainly, we’ve seen the need for food assistance grow rapidly—the fastest it’s ever grown in less than a year,” said Andrew Morehouse, executive director of The Food Bank. “We need to be able to provide more healthy food to people who need it. We need more community support to be able to respond to that growing demand for food assistance.”

Lee Anderson, a board member for Manna Community Kitchen, said his organization has tripled in terms of the number of area residents for whom it is providing restaurant-quality meals. Manna is now providing 5,000 take-out meals each month at the Elm Street, Northampton, location, and it launched deliveries, serving roughly 30 households at present.

“Our food costs have doubled, at least,” Anderson said. “The generosity from Florence Bank will go right to paying food bills.”

Morehouse and Anderson were among those in attendance last night at the annual reception that concludes each year’s Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program for Florence Bank. Held at 5 p.m. at Frank Newhall Look Memorial Park, the celebration was attended by roughly 50 nonprofit leaders and bank staff and leaders.

Refreshments by Seth Mias Catering were served to a crowd of people who were deeply grateful to be at a community event. 

“Can you believe it?” Florence Bank President and CEO Kevin Day asked those who gathered. “This event was one of the last events to take place in the Valley before the shutdown. And now it’s one of the first events to take place. Someone is definitely looking out for us.”

The community grants program is an annual offering founded in 2002; through it, Florence Bank customers are invited to vote for their favorite local nonprofit in hopes it will receive a share of grant funding. 

To qualify for a community grant, organizations must receive at least 50 votes. In 2020, almost 7,000 votes were cast, and 32 nonprofit leaders accepted their grants Tuesday, when a total of $100,500 was awarded. That total included two “Almost” awards of $500 each to the Williamsburg Firefighters Association and Whole Children of Hadley, which each came close to receiving 50 votes.

In addition to organizations supporting food insecurity, 25 other nonprofits with over 50 votes accepted a check, putting Florence Bank over the $1.3 million mark in grants it’s presented to community organizations over nearly two decades through the customers’ choice program alone.

Over the past 19 years, Florence Bank has tallied more than 134,000 customer votes through Customers’ Choice, and it’s given grants to 157 different organizations.

“The commitment of Florence Bank customers to all of you serving the needs within our community is awesome, and we couldn’t be prouder to be able to support the programs our customers believe in,” Day said. 

The following organizations received more than 50 customer votes and received an award at the event: Dakin Humane Society, Cancer Connection, Friends of Forbes Library, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, each received $5,000; Our Lady of the Hills Parish, $4,837; Belchertown Animal Relief Committee, Inc., $4,326; Friends of the Williamsburg Library, $3,815; J.F.K. Middle School, $3,303; Riverside Industries, Inc. and Friends of Lilly Library, each $3,146; It Takes A Village and Goshen Firefighters Association, each $3,107; Edward Hopkins Educational Foundation, $2,989; Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, $2,556; Northampton Neighbors, $2,399; Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Granby Senior Center, and Friends of Northampton Legion Baseball, each $2,281; Northampton Community Music Center and Community Action, each $2,202; Friends of M.N. Spear Memorial Library, $2,084; Safe Passage, $2,005; R.K. Finn Ryan Road School, $1,966; and Historic Northampton and Belchertown K-9, each $1,966. 

Pre-COVID-19, Morehouse said The Food Bank provided sustenance to 90,000 people every month. As of December 2020, that number had risen to 115,000 every month—a twenty-six percent increase. “We’re talking about real people—children, elders, people with disabilities, including veterans—and increasingly, people who are trying to make ends meet, playing by the rules working full time and suddenly, they had the rug pulled out from beneath them and they have no wealth or assets to fall back on,” he said. “These are the folks we’re trying to support until the economy is restored.” 

Funds from the grant translate into about 20,000 meals for area residents; the money will be used to defray the cost of purchasing, storing, and distributing the food. “We’re very grateful to Florence Bank,” Morehouse said, noting that he is also appreciative of bank customers who supported the cause. “When we as a society are faced with such a traumatic experience as COVID-19, this support gets to the heart of what it means to be human,” he said. “People are thinking about supporting basic needs first.”

Anderson, of Manna, said, “The grant is instrumental. It will help smooth out the ups and downs of cash flow from individuals in the community. We really appreciate Florence Bank.”

Restaurant-quality meals, such as steak with gorgonzola butter or braised chicken in a chickpea stew—often prepared by Anderson—are served by Manna from 11:30 to 1:30 Monday through Thursday and Saturday. Manna also provides lunch and dinner to residents of two area cot shelters seven days a week. 

“We’ve doubled in volume,” Anderson said. “Almost tripled.” 

He said the meal delivery was launched to combat the stigma people may have felt about accepting food at the door. To request delivery, call 413-584-1757 or email via the website, mannanorthampton.org.

Aware of the greatly increased need for food, Florence Bank donated nearly $100,000 in 2020 to support a new food distribution collaborative and nine other longtime nonprofits with a mission to feed people who are battling food insecurity in the Valley.

The gifts were made to organizations in all corners of the region, including the Hilltowns, to help ease the economic strain brought on by COVID-19.

The Customers’ Choice Community Grants program is a year-long initiative. Customers of the bank can vote via paper ballots at each branch location or online at www.florencebank.com/vote. 

Florence Bank has branches in Amherst, Belchertown, Chicopee, Easthampton, Granby, Hadley, Northampton, Williamsburg, West Springfield, and Springfield, and it is headquartered in Florence. 

Florence Bank is a mutually-owned savings bank chartered in 1873. Currently, the bank serves the Pioneer Valley through 12 full-service branch locations in Florence, Northampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Granby, Chicopee, West Springfield, and Springfield. Additionally, they offer 25 ATMs and a wide range of financial services including investment management through FSB Financial Group (FSBFG) to consumers and businesses.  Florence Bank is consistently voted best local bank by the readers of the Valley Advocate and the Daily Hampshire Gazette.  

The post Florence Bank Presented $100,500 to 32 Area Nonprofits at 19th Annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program appeared first on Beetle Press.

Event scheduled for March 10 at Look Memorial Park

FLORENCE—When parents believe their child is headed down the wrong path, they often panic. That’s why it’s essential to have organizations like the CARE Coalition of West Springfield. As a nonprofit focused on the prevention of youth substance abuse, staff there can answer questions, provide recommendations, and tell parents where to get help.

Since the organization was founded in 2014, it’s gathered data on youth drug access, drug use, and established ways to decrease risk factors and help young people make healthy choices.

For the first time this year, the coalition will receive a $1,232 grant from Florence Bank through its Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program during the 18th annual event Tuesday, March 10 at the Garden House at Look Park from 5 to 7 p.m.   

This year, 57 nonprofits will receive an award as Florence Bank tops the $1.2 million mark in grants it’s presented to community organizations over nearly two decades.

“We’re extremely honored to have been chosen by the customers of Florence Bank to receive the funds,” said Nikki Lewis, the coordinator at CARE Coalition. “We feel this is the start of an incredible partnership with Florence Bank. We are always looking to enhance community relationships. This is an incredible opportunity.”

The Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program is an annual offering founded in 2002, through which Florence Bank customers are invited to vote for their favorite local nonprofit in hopes it will receive a share of grant funding. 

To qualify for a community grant, organizations must receive at least 50 votes. In 2019, over 11,000 votes were cast, and 57 nonprofits will accept a grant award at the celebratory event, with the total amount to be presented at $100,000.

Ten organizations that received between 40 and 49 votes were also invited to attend to be in a drawing for one additional $500 award. 

Florence Bank’s former president and outgoing CEO, John Heaps Jr., who will retire in May, will be there alongside Florence Bank’s new president, Kevin Day. 

This year, the grant program tops the $1.2 million mark in terms of grants made to community nonprofits over almost two decades. “It will be an especially memorable night for me,” Heaps said. “My late wife, Jane, suggested this program, and I will be proud to attend my last awards event. It is always tremendously rewarding to meet the people behind the organizations and to hear firsthand about the good work they are doing in our communities.”

Day, who has attended the event for the past 11 years, is thrilled to preside over his first Customers’ Choice ceremony as president. “I look forward to the event every year,” he said. “I value the program’s contribution to the community, and I’m committed to its continuation and growth.” 

Lewis said her organization has several specific efforts that the grant funds could support, such as studying where youths are accessing drugs and alcohol; providing educational programs like panel discussions and developing presentations on trends and resources for parents. 

“It’s important that our efforts are community driven,” Lewis said, adding that the community will have a voice in determining the direction the coalition goes. “We want to take time to hear from the community, look at data and see what’s most appropriate for our community at this time.”

Lewis said she and the CARE Coalition first learned about Florence Bank when the bank opened the first branch in Hampden County, in West Springfield, several years ago. Coalition staff learned later about the Customers’ Choice program and actively took part. 

“The work we’ve seen Florence Bank doing in the community is really powerful and makes a strong difference,” she said. “We’re extremely grateful to have the bank here in Hampden County as one of our community partners.”

The following organizations received more than 50 customer votes and will receive an award at the event: Dakin Humane Society, Cancer Connection, Friends of the Williamsburg Libraries, Northampton Survival Center, Friends of Forbes Library, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, Amherst Survival Center, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Friends of Lilly Library, Our Lady of the Hills Parish, Williamsburg Firefighter Association, New Hingham Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization, Northampton High School Parent-Teacher Organization, BARC, Inc., Northampton Senior Center, Grow Food Northampton, Safe Passage, The Friends of Northampton Legion Baseball, MANNA Soup Kitchen, Kestrel Land Trust, Northampton Community Music Center, Hospice of the Fisher Home, Children First Enterprises, Inc., Community Action Pioneer Valley, Easthampton Elementary Schools Parent-Teacher Organization, Belchertown Firefighters Association, Jackson Street School Parent-Teacher Organization, Granby Senior Center, Bright Spot Therapy Dogs, Northampton Neighbors, Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, Belchertown Police K-9 Unit, Historic Northampton, RK Finn Ryan Road School, Friends of M.N. Spear Memorial Library, Friends of Clapp Memorial Library, Easthampton Community Center, Edward Hopkins Educational Foundation, It Takes a Village, Amherst Regional Public Schools Parent Guardian Organization, Tapestry Health Systems, Cub Scout Pack 705 (Chesterfield), Mass Audubon’s Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuaries, Whole Children, Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Belchertown Band Boosters, Williamsburg Grange #225, Smith Vocational & Agricultural High School Parent-Teacher Organization, Riverside Industries, Inc., Pelham Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization, Emily Williston Memorial Library, Belchertown Public Schools, Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, Amherst Neighbors, Granby Preservation Society, The Hartsbrook School.

The Customers’ Choice Community Grants program is a year-long initiative. Customers’ of the bank can vote via paper ballots at each bank branch location or online at https://www.florencebank.com/vote. 

Florence Bank has branches in Amherst, Belchertown, Easthampton, Granby, Hadley, Northampton, Williamsburg, West Springfield, and Springfield, and it is headquartered in Florence. 

Florence Bank is a mutually-owned savings bank chartered in 1873. Currently, the bank serves the Pioneer Valley through 11 full-service branch locations in Florence, Northampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Granby, West Springfield, and Springfield. Additionally, they offer 26 ATMs and a wide range of financial services including investment management through FSB Financial Group (FSBFG) to consumers and businesses.  Florence Bank is consistently voted best local bank by the readers of the Valley Advocate and the Daily Hampshire Gazette.  

The post Florence Bank to Top $1.2 Million in Giving at 18th Annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program appeared first on Beetle Press.

2019 Customer Choice Awards – Jim Gipe Photo / Pivot Media

Roughly $1.1 million donated through annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program over 17 years

FLORENCE—Farm shares for people with low-incomes. A thermal imager the Williamsburg Firefighters Association will use to detect hot spots after a fire. Art classes for seniors. Shelter and counseling for those who’ve experienced domestic abuse.

And even a bicycle that Emily Williston Memorial Library will use to deliver books to Easthampton residents.

These are some of the programs and services that will benefit area residents thanks to the Florence Bank Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program, through which $102,500 was presented to 61 area nonprofits at an awards celebration March 5 at the Garden House at Look Memorial Park.

During the event, Florence Bank president and CEO John Heaps Jr. handed out 55 checks to nonprofits that received at least 50 votes from bank customers in 2018, topping the $1.1 million mark in terms of grants made to community nonprofits over almost two decades.

Heaps also gave an additional $500 to six organizations that received between 40 and 49 votes and were vying for one $500 bonus award.

Cooley Dickinson VNA was chosen in that drawing, but after the applause died down, Heaps said with a mischievous smile, “There are six organizations,” and after yet another pause, “Do you see what I’m thinking?”

Board members and corporators in the audience called out their support to Heaps, who then announced Florence Bank would offer a $500 grant to all six organizations. “It’s a beautiful thing to help all of you,” Heaps said. “We want you to work extra hard this year to get 50 votes!”

The Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program is an annual offering founded in 2002, through which Florence Bank customers are invited to vote for their favorite local nonprofit in hopes it will receive a share of grant funding. Heaps told nonprofit leaders gathered this year that the idea that customers would vote to disperse the funds came during a dinner 18 years ago with his late wife, Jane, and friends.

Heaps said Florence Bank employees also contribute in the community through various volunteer efforts. And he noted that in addition to the funds granted through Customers’ Choice, the bank donates an additional $450,000 to nonprofit organizations each year.

As he shook hands and posed for photos with executive directors, PTO leaders, board leaders and other nonprofit heads, Heaps also said, “Thank you for the work you do. This is our special event, but it’s your evening. Your good work makes our community great.”

He added, “Our customers voted for you. Our customers care about the community as much as we do.”

Monica Curhan, senior vice president / marketing director at the bank, announced each individual award and invited nonprofit leaders to the podium. She noted that each vote for each organization amounted to roughly $16 per.

Heaps said that Florence Bank is able to be generous in the community because it is a mutually-held bank, which means that quarterly dividends are not paid out to stockholders. That money, instead, is invested into the community and into bank services and programs. “It’s a great opportunity for us,” Heaps said.

The six organizations that unexpectedly received a bonus $500 grant were: Granby Athletic Association, Granby Preservation Society, Bridge Street School Parent Teacher Organization in Northampton, Belchertown Band Boosters, Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, and the Granby Music Parents Association.

The following organizations received more than 50 customer votes and received these awards at the event: Dakin Humane Society, $5,000; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, $4,853; Friends of Forbes Library, $3,767; Friends of Lilly Library, $3,546; Cancer Connection, $3,546; Northampton Survival Center, $3,360; Amherst Survival Center, $3,342; Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, $3,308; Friends of the Williamsburg Library, $3,071; Our Lady of the Hills Parish, $2,783; New Hingham Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization, $2,698; Northampton High School Parent Teacher Organization, $2,409; Edward Hopkins Educational Foundation, $2,239; Easthampton Elementary Schools Parent Teacher Organization, $2,222; BARC, Inc., $2,155; Belchertown K-9, $1,833; Friends of Hilltown Cooperative Charter School, $1,798; Granby Senior Center, $1,680; Grow Food Northampton, $1,612; Safe Passage, $1,595; Belchertown Firefighters Association, $1,561; Friends of Clapp Library, $1,561; Jackson Street School Parent Teacher Organization, $1,527; Northampton Senior Center, $1,476; R.K. Finn Ryan Road School, $1,476; Williamsburg Firefighter Association, $1,442; Leeds Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization, $1,442; Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, $1,408; Bright Spot Therapy Dogs, $1,408; Northampton Community Music Center, $1,391; Easthampton Dollars for Scholars, $1,374; Friends of Northampton Legion, $1,324; Tapestry Health Systems, $1,256; Children First Enterprises, Inc., $1,239; Whole Children, $1,222; Friends of M.N. Spear Memorial Library, $1,222; Riverside Industries, Inc., $1,170; Kestrel Land Trust, $1,170; Friends of Amherst Senior Center, $1,170; Smith Vocational High School Parent Teacher Organization, $1,153; Hitchcock Center for the Environment, $1,136; Cooley Dickinson Hospital, $1,136; Easthampton Community Center, $1,136; Belchertown Public Schools, $1,136; Historic Northampton, $1,086; It Takes A Village, $1,086; Northampton Neighbors, $1,069; Pelham Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization, $1,069; John F. Kennedy Middle School, $1,052; Hospice of the Fisher Home, $1,052; Cub Scout Pack 705 of Chesterfield, $1,001; Emily Williston Library, $967; Granby Free Public Library, $933; Amherst Regional Public Schools, $933; and Manna Soup Kitchen, $899.

The Customers’ Choice Community Grants program is a year-long initiative. Customers’ of the bank can vote via paper ballots at each bank branch location or online at https://www.florencebank.com/vote.

Florence Bank has branches in Amherst, Belchertown, Easthampton, Granby, Hadley, Northampton, Williamsburg, West Springfield, and Springfield, and it is headquartered in Florence.

Florence Bank is a mutually-owned savings bank chartered in 1873. Currently, the bank serves the Pioneer Valley through 11 full-service branch locations in Florence, Northampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Granby, West Springfield and a new branch located on Allen Street in Springfield. Additionally, they offer 28 ATMs and a wide range of financial services including investment management through FSB Financial Group (FSBFG) to consumers and businesses.  Florence Bank is consistently voted best local bank by the readers of the Valley Advocate and the Daily Hampshire Gazette.  

The post Florence Bank Offers Grants to 61 Nonprofit Leaders appeared first on Beetle Press.

Event scheduled for March 5 at Look Memorial Park

FLORENCE—Fifty-five nonprofit organizations in the Pioneer Valley will receive a check from Florence Bank on Tuesday, March 5 at the 17th annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants awards ceremony at the Garden House at Look Park from 5 to 7 p.m.

Florence Bank president and CEO John Heaps Jr. will hand out the checks, marking $1.1 million in terms of grants the bank has made to community nonprofits over almost two decades.

“We are a committed community partner, and we love this annual event, which offers us the chance to invest in organizations that benefit our employees, customers, neighbors, families and friends,” Heaps said.

The Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program is an annual offering founded in 2002, through which Florence Bank customers are invited to vote for their favorite local nonprofit in hopes it will receive a share of grant funding.

To qualify for a community grant, organizations must receive at least 50 votes. Ten organizations that received between 40 and 49 votes were also invited to attend the event this year to be in a drawing for one additional $500 award.

This year, these organizations will receive funds for the first time: It Takes a Village in Cummington; Children First Enterprises, Inc. of Granby; Friends of Northampton Legion; Smith Vocational High School Parent Teacher Organization of Northampton; Belchertown Public Schools; Historic Northampton; Northampton Neighbors; and Cub Scout Pack 705 of Chesterfield.

Additionally, these other organizations will receive an award at the event: Dakin Humane Society; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County; Friends of Forbes Library; Friends of Lilly Library; Cancer Connection; Northampton Survival Center; Amherst Survival Center; Food Bank of Western Massachusetts; Friends of the Williamsburg Library; Our Lady of the Hills Parish; New Hingham Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization; Northampton High School Parent Teacher Organization; Edward Hopkins Educational Foundation; Easthampton Elementary Schools Parent Teacher Organization; BARC, Inc.; Belchertown K-9; Friends of Hilltown Cooperative Charter School; Granby Senior Center; Grow Food Northampton; Safe Passage; Belchertown Firefighters Association; Friends of Clapp Library; Jackson Street School Parent Teacher Organization; Northampton Senior Center; R.K. Finn Ryan Road School; Williamsburg Firefighter Association; Leeds Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization; Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School; Bright Spot Therapy Dogs; Northampton Community Music Center; Easthampton Dollars for Scholars; Friends of Northampton Legion; Tapestry Health Systems; Children First Enterprises, Inc.; Whole Children; Friends of M.N. Spear Memorial Library; Riverside Industries, Inc.; Kestrel Land Trust; Friends of Amherst Senior Center; Smith Vocational High School Parent Teacher Organization; Hitchcock Center for the Environment; Cooley Dickinson Hospital; Easthampton Community Center; Belchertown Public Schools; Historic Northampton; It Takes A Village; Northampton Neighbors; Pelham Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization; John F. Kennedy Middle School; Hospice of the Fisher Home; Cub Scout Pack 705; Emily Williston Library; Granby Free Public Library; Amherst Regional Public Schools; and Manna Soup Kitchen.

The Customers’ Choice Community Grants program is a year-long initiative. Customers’ of the bank can vote via paper ballots at each bank branch location or online at https://www.florencebank.com/vote.

Florence Bank has branches in Amherst, Belchertown, Easthampton, Granby, Hadley, Northampton, Williamsburg, West Springfield, and Springfield, and it is headquartered in Florence.

Florence Bank is a mutually-owned savings bank chartered in 1873. Currently, the bank serves the Pioneer Valley through 11 full-service branch locations in Florence, Northampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Granby, West Springfield and a new branch located on Allen Street in Springfield. Additionally, they offer 28 ATMs and a wide range of financial services including investment management through FSB Financial Group (FSBFG) to consumers and businesses.  Florence Bank is consistently voted best local bank by the readers of the Valley Advocate and the Daily Hampshire Gazette.  

The post Florence Bank to Exceed $1.1 Million in Giving at This Year’s 17th Annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program appeared first on Beetle Press.