bankHometown’s “Funding Their Futures” Program Raises Over $20,000 for Local Schools in 2025

bankHometown is proud to celebrate the success of its Funding Their Futures program, a community-driven initiative that supports local education while helping to strengthen the communities it serves. In 2025, the program raised more than $20,000, benefiting 16 local schools, school systems, and educational foundations.

As part of The Giving Tree, bankHometown’s charitable giving initiative focused on unlocking potential in local communities, Funding Their Futures turns everyday banking into meaningful impact. Through the program, bankHometown donates $10 for every new Get Real Checking^® account opened, with customers choosing which participating local school, school system, or educational foundation receives the donation. Each organization can then use the funds in whatever way is most beneficial for its students and educational priorities.

“Education is essential to strong communities, and through Funding Their Futures and The Giving Tree, we are proud to partner with our customers in unlocking potential for students across our region,” said Robert J. Morton, president and CEO of bankHometown. “By giving customers the opportunity to direct their donation locally, we’re able to make a real and lasting difference where it matters most.”

Funds generated through the program have supported a variety of initiatives, including classroom resources, technology enhancements, student enrichment programs, and other needs identified by schools and educational partners. The flexibility of the donations ensures that each organization can address its most pressing priorities and create meaningful opportunities for students.

Donations for 2025 were recently presented to the following participating schools and organizations: the Athol-Royalston Regional School District, Auburn Public Schools, Brooklyn Public Schools, Leominster Public Schools, Millbury Public Schools, the Nashoba Regional School District, Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation Inc., Oxford Public Schools, the Putnam School District, Quinsigamond Elementary School, Sutton Public Schools, the Tantasqua Regional School District, Thompson Public Schools, the Vernon Hill School, Webster Public Schools, and the Woodstock Education Foundation.

bankHometown remains committed to investing in education and community development through programs like Funding Their Futures and The Giving Tree, helping to strengthen local communities and create brighter futures for the next generation.

In these photos:

Beth Chamberland, Ed.D., superintendent, Auburn Public Schools
Tina Puzo, vice president, branch officer, bankHometown

Jen McKenna, assistant vice president, branch officer, bankHometown
Michelle Raynor, superintendent, Brooklyn Public Schools
Lisa Sorel, assistant manager, bankHometown

Monique Pierangeli, superintendent, Webster Public Schools
Tarese Lopriore, branch officer, bankHometown

Tara Trainor, curriculum director, Oxford Public Schools
Michael Lucas, superintendent, Oxford Public Schools
Jo-Ann Bussiere, assistant vice president, branch officer, bankHometown
Matt Bobola, business manager, Oxford Public Schools

Isabelo Cruz Lopez, branch manager, bankHometown
Lauren Racca, principal, Quinsigamond Elementary School
Meenakshi Sharma, branch manager, bankHometown

Sarah Wolfburg, coordinator, Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation
Joseph Adiletta, president, Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation
Peter Deary, vice president, Northeast Connecticut Education Foundation
Kim Sweet, branch manager, bankHometown

Melinda A. Smith, superintendent, Thompson Public Schools
Maria Thomas, vice president, regional branch manager, bankHometown

Nancy Roberts, vice president, branch officer, bankHometown
Steven Rioux, superintendent, Putnam Connecticut Public Schools

Greg Hesler, treasurer, Woodstock Education Foundation
Karen Donovan, president, Woodstock Education Foundation
George Dimopoulos, vice president, branch officer, bankHometown

Jason Howard, branch manager, bankHometown
Dr. Peter Dufresne, principal, Tantasqua Regional High School