Raising the BARN

Pictured from left to right: Traci Sanborn, Machias Savings Bank SVP Customer Experience Officer; Denis St. Peter, CES, Inc. President/CEO ; Jennifer Morin, BARN Board Chair; Pat Kimball, BARN Board member

About 400 people seated at tables inside the ballroom at the Cross Insurance Center tapped away on their smartphones. The Message that appeared on their screens asked them to vote with their phones: “Text ONE for the BARN, TWO for Eastern Area Agency on Aging, THREE for Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, FOUR For Literacy Volunteers of Bangor, and FIVE for Community Health and Counseling Services.”

These five non-profit agencies were competing for a chance at $5,000 at the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Annual Breakfast, held on January 10. Machias Savings Bank and CES, both presenting sponsors of the breakfast, donated $2500 each.

“Our theme for the Chamber’s Annual Business Breakfast was about working together to make our region the best place to live, work, learn and play. More than 400 people representing our business community came together in one place to take part in that celebration and to honor and recognize Chamber member non-profits making a difference in our community. We thank Machias Savings Bank, CES and all of our sponsors for their part in making the breakfast a success!” explained Deb Neuman, Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce President.

After the votes were tallied, Bangor Area Recovery Network or BARN was declared the winner of the donation and was presented a check for $5,000. BARN’s mission is to provide a sustainable and reliable community recovery center that supports the needs of people affected by addiction.
“In celebration of CES’ 40th anniversary, we were delighted to partner with Machias Savings Bank to donate to a worthy cause to give back to the community that has helped us grow and succeed,” remarked Denis St. Peter, CES, Inc. President and CEO, “Addiction touches so many in our community, and we hope that this gift will play a small role to improve the lives of those seeking treatment.”

“Working with the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce and CES was an incredibly fun and professional experience. It highlighted how partnerships can truly help change communities. We were thrilled with the event and proud to be able to back the Bangor Area Recovery Network. They are doing exceptional things for the community of Bangor.” added Traci Sanborn, SVP Customer Experience Officer for Machias Savings Bank.

The other non-profits did not go away empty-handed. Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway donated $1,000 to each of the other four non-profits.