PITTSFIELD, MA March 22, 2016 – Berkshire Bank has announced it has contributed $225,895 to local United Way organizations as part of its 2016 workplace campaign. The money raised includes corporate donations from the Bank’s charitable Foundations totaling $85,000, employee contributions of $105,242 and matching donations of $35,653. The total dollars contributed rose by more than 10% compared to 2015.
Eighteen separate United Way affiliates were supported through Berkshire Bank’s 2016 campaign including: 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 (NY), United Way of Columbia & Greene Counties, United Way of Rome & Western Oneida County, United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area, United Way of Central New York, United Way of Montgomery County, United Way of Fulton County, Grant United Way, United Way of Rutland County, and United Ways of Vermont. Outside of Berkshire County, where the Bank is headquartered, the Foundation matched employee United Way contributions dollar for dollar up to $10,000 per region. In Berkshire County, the Foundation provided a corporate contribution to the Berkshire United Way.
Lori Gazzillo, Vice President and Director of Berkshire Bank Foundation said “We’re proud of the double-digit increase in our donation to local United Way organizations across our regions in 2016, due in large part to the personal contributions of our employees. The response of our team members throughout our footprint speaks to the incredible work local United Ways are doing to address critical needs in the communities where we live and work.”
Each year, Berkshire Bank provides more than $2 million in financial support to non-profit and community organizations. In addition to monetary support, the XTEAM, the Bank’s nationally acclaimed Employee Volunteer Program, provides employees with paid time off to volunteer during regular business hours. In 2015, more than 70% of Berkshire Bank’s employees donated 40,000 hours of service to benefit community organizations across the Bank’s service area. In recognition of their work in the community, Berkshire Bank has received numerous accolades for their overall philanthropic work and civic responsibility efforts including being named one of Massachusetts Most Charitable Companies by the Boston Business Journal for the third consecutive year.
About Berkshire Bank Foundation
Through foundation grants to nonprofits, scholarships to students, environmental programs, and employee volunteerism, Berkshire Bank is making a difference. Each year the Foundation donates over $1.8 million to non-profits in the Bank’s footprint and employees provide over 40,000 hours of volunteer service. In 2015, Berkshire Bank was named one of Massachusetts Most Charitable Companies by the Boston Business Journal. This year, Berkshire Bank and NESN are teaming up to raise $50,000 for Habitat for Humanity by donating funds to the Hockey 4 Housing campaign each time the Boston Bruins achieved a penalty kill. To learn more about Berkshire Bank Foundation, visit www.berkshirebank.com/community
About Berkshire Bank
Berkshire Hills Bancorp (NYSE: BHLB) is the parent of Berkshire Bank, America’s Most Exciting Bank®. The Company, recognized for its entrepreneurial approach and distinctive culture, has $7.8 billion in assets and 93 full service branch offices in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Vermont, providing personal and business banking, insurance, and wealth management services. Berkshire Bank is the home financing and retail banking provider for the Massachusetts Teachers Association Benefits, MTA. To learn more, visit www.berkshirebank.com or call 800-773-5601. Berkshire Bank, is the official bank of NESN’s Boston Bruins coverage.
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Media Contact:
Heidi Higgins
AVP Marketing
hhiggins@berkshirebank.com
(413) 236-3756