Scenic Byway Mobile App Project, New After-School Program among Recipients of Skowhegan Savings' Donation Program
|
Laura Perry, Founder of the Bingham-Moscow After-School Program, painting young friends at a recent Skowhegan Savings
140th Anniversary event. |
|
SKOWHEGAN, Maine - Skowhegan Savings announced the latest round of charitable donations for community organizations, providing nearly $20,000 in project funding for five organizations that applied for funding by the March 31 deadline; awards are made on a quarterly basis and the next deadline is September 30, 2010.
The Old Canada Road Scenic Byway was the recipient of $2500 to support the development of a mobile phone application for the 78-mile stretch of Route 201 from Solon to the Canadian border. People will be able to download the GPS-activated application on their Android and iPhone devices and receive information on various points of interest along the route such as historic details about Benedict Arnold's trip to Quebec. The tour interpretive materials are researched and designed by the local members of the Old Canada Road Scenic Byway nonprofit organization and local youth organizations.
Bob Haynes, coordinator of Old Canada Road, noted, "The Directors of the Old Canada Road Scenic Byway Inc. believe this exciting new tourism product will be a great help in describing our history, culture and recreational opportunities. It appeals to a new, broad mobile audience that we wish to attract to the Upper Kennebec and Moose River Valleys. Its photo and video capability make it a very flexible tool to entice visitors to our four-season world. We are very appreciative of Skowhegan Savings for recognizing the potential of this economic development tool and helping make it a reality."
Another recipient, the recently formed Bingham-Moscow After-School Program, received a donation of $1000 to defray operating costs as they work to expand their youth enrichment activities to four days per week, increase the number of students served, and incorporate field trips for outdoor recreation and natural resources in the region. In addition to structured activities, the program provides healthy after-school snacks and homework help to participants.
Additional donations were made to:
- The Sebasticook Valley Chamber of Commerce ($1500) to support the annual Sparkle fundraising event that benefits numerous nonprofit organizations throughout the 12 towns in the Chamber's region
- Lakewood Theater in Madison ($4281), to be the Season Underwriter for the 110th season of the region's premier theatrical attraction
- The Somerset Economic Development Corporation ($10,000) for ongoing efforts to support and attract businesses throughout Somerset County
Skowhegan Savings focuses its giving efforts on organizations and projects that contribute to economic and community development efforts, as well as financial literacy programs in the communities the Bank serves. The next funding deadline is September 30, 2010 and applications are available at http://skowsavings.com/charitable_donations.php.
About Skowhegan Savings:
Skowhegan Savings, founded in 1869, is an independent mutual savings bank dedicated to strengthening the Maine families, businesses and communities it serves. Named as one of Maine's Best Places to Work in 2009, Skowhegan Savings' team of friendly, committed employees takes pride in delivering personalized, competitive banking services with integrity and putting the needs of their customers first. An innovative and progressive approach to banking ensures their customers enjoy a banking experience that is quick, easy and convenient. Skowhegan Savings' nine Maine branches include two locations in Skowhegan, as well as locations in Belgrade, Bingham, Dexter, Fairfield, Madison, Norridgewock, and Pittsfield. For more information, visit www.skowsavings.com or contact Customer Service at 800.303.9511.
###
