Our team of volunteers had a good time at Rachel Simmons’ Book Tour featuring her book “Enough as She Is.” The event was organized by SPARK Kindness.
Volunteering at “Enough as She Is” Book Tour
MutualOne Bank’s Checking for Charity awards $9,350 to A Place To Turn
Steven M. Sousa, executive vice president and chief operating officer of MutualOne Bank, has announced a $9,350 donation to A Place To Turn. The award was made at the conclusion of the Bank’s 2017 Checking for Charity initiative, which promised a $10 donation to a designated local charity with each opening of a new personal or business checking account.
Located in Natick, A Place To Turn helps meet the basic food and clothing needs of low-income MetroWest families and individuals referred by a network of social service agencies, health care providers, schools, and clergy.
“Checking for Charity gives us the opportunity to welcome new checking account customers by donating to local charities on their behalf,” said Sousa. “We are pleased to partner with our customers in this way to help build a stronger community for all.”
Since its introduction in 2008, Checking for Charity has benefited the Framingham History Center, Natick Historical Society, Framingham High School, Natick High School, Natick Veterans Relief Fund, Buddy Dog Humane Society, Framingham Public Library, Morse Institute Library, Callahan Senior Center, Natick Community-Senior Center, Ovations for a Cure, and the American Cancer Society.
$6K for St. Bridget’s Food Pantry from MutualOne Charitable Foundation
Mark R. Haranas, president and CEO of MutualOne Bank and a MutualOne Charitable Foundation trustee, announced that the Foundation has awarded $6,000 to St. Bridget’s Food Pantry in Framingham.
Now in its 26th year, St. Bridget’s Food Pantry provides food assistance to Framingham residents who, through socioeconomic or health factors, are unable to meet their need for food. The Pantry helps about 150 households a week and additional families and individuals at holiday times. Clients receive pre-packaged non-perishable foods and additional choice meat, dairy, and produce items, depending on inventory.
The Foundation grant will help provide nutritious choices and holiday foods to those in need throughout the year.
“We’re pleased to support the St. Bridget’s Food Pantry’s mission of providing for residents of our community who are facing challenges in their lives,” said Haranas. “We want to help make sure that no one walks away empty-handed.”
“The MutualOne Charitable Foundation has been a wonderful supporter of our food pantry,” said St. Bridget’s Food Pantry Director Mary Kulas. “We are thankful for their continued generosity in helping us with our mission.”
Employee Spotlight: Brian Ledwith
Brian Ledwith, executive vice president and senior commercial lender, joined MutualOne Bank in 2007, having started his career as a management trainee in a one-branch bank on Congress Street in Boston during the 1990 recession.
Brian and his wife met when he was 18 and they have been together ever since. Together they have two children, a son in college and a daughter in high school, both of whom he coached in town sports including baseball, softball, soccer and hockey. While his coaching days are over, he still plays hockey twice a week and acts as the captain and (of course) treasurer for the team.
He received a bachelor’s degree from Boston College in 1990 and graduated from the Independent Community Bankers of America National School of Banking in Fairfield with honors in 2004. Next time you see Brian, make sure to ask how his hockey team is doing!
$5K MutualOne grant for ‘Life Enrichment’ events for Natick seniors
Robert P. Lamprey, chairman of the MutualOne Charitable Foundation, announced that the Foundation has awarded $5,000 to Friends of Natick Senior Center to fund future “Life Enrichment” programs for seniors.
Previous “Life Enrichment” events have included free Lunch/Movie Extravaganza outings. Future events may be expanded to feature cultural offerings and/or activities and entertainment suggested by senior center members.
“We are pleased to support the Friends’ efforts to expand ‘Life Enrichment’ activities available to our community’s senior citizens,” said Haranas. “Seniors are vibrant members of our community, and it is an honor to help them enjoy life to the fullest.”
$5K MutualOne Foundation grant supports new Framingham bookmobile
The MutualOne Charitable Foundation has awarded $5,000 to the Framingham Public Library Foundation toward the purchase and operation of a bookmobile. Announcement of the grant was made by Mark R. Haranas, president and CEO of MutualOne Bank and a MutualOne Charitable Foundation trustee.
The proposed bookmobile will increase accessibility to library materials and services for those living in neighborhoods throughout the community.
“The bookmobile will be a great advantage for all residents, particularly those who now have limited access to Framingham’s two libraries,” said Haranas. “It will also enhance the availability of library services for children, senior citizens, veterans, and those with disabilities, and we’re happy to help make that a reality.”
