Berkshire Bank and its two charitable foundations contributed $196,599 to local United Way organizations as part of its 2014 workplace campaign. The money raised includes corporate donations from the two foundations of $77,500, employee contributions of $85,390 and matching donations of $33,709.
Fifteen separate United Way organizations were supported through Berkshire Bank’s 2014 campaign including: the Berkshire United Way; Northern Berkshire United Way; United Way of Franklin County; United Way of the Pioneer Valley; United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley; United Way of Tri-County (MA); United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut; United Way of the Greater Capital Region; Tri-County United Way; United Way of Rome & Western Oneida County; United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area; United Way of Central New York; Grant United Way; United Way of Rutland County; and United Ways of Vermont, Inc. Outside of Berkshire County, where Berkshire Bank is headquartered, the Foundation matched employee United Way contributions dollar for dollar up to $10,000 per region. Additionally, the Foundation provided a corporate contribution to the Berkshire United Way.
Lori Gazzillo, Vice President and Director of Berkshire Bank Foundation said “We are so pleased to be able to support our local United Ways in such a significant way. We are excited by the response of our team members throughout Massachusetts, New York, Vermont and Connecticut, who really came together to support this effort. The dollars raised for United Way go directly to many meaningful programs throughout our markets meeting important community needs.”
Each year, Berkshire Bank provides nearly $2 million in financial support to non-profit and community organizations through corporate community sponsorships and charitable grants from their foundation. In addition to monetary giving, the Bank has a large Employee Volunteer Program that carries out group community service projects benefiting schools, non-profit organizations and communities within its service area. In 2013, Berkshire Bank employees completed 179 community service activities and donated in excess of 40,000 hours of volunteer service. Berkshire Bank has received numerous awards for its philanthropic efforts—most recently being named by the Boston Business Journal as one of Massachusetts Most Charitable Companies.
Source: PITTSFIELD, Mass. – April 18, 2014 – Berkshire Bank.