Midcoast Music Academy is one of nonprofit organizations in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont that were recently presented more than $23,000 in donations collected through Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s employee-driven charitable giving program, Casual for a Cause. 

The other  recipients of the donations collected during the second quarter of 2024 are: Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center, Brunswick Area Teen Center, Healthy Peninsula, and Island Housing Trust in Maine; Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust and Sullivan County Humane Society in New Hampshire; and Camp Thorpe and Gifford Medical Center in Vermont.

Midcoast Music Academy provides accessible music education to students of all ages and skill levels by a teaching-artist team of the highest caliber. The nonprofit organization combines a classical music education with a contemporary approach to provide high quality music instruction in a personalized and creative environment. Learn more about Midcoast Music Academy at www.midcoastmusicacademy.com.

“As a community music school, Midcoast Music Academy is honored to be recognized as part of the Bar Harbor Bank & Trust community through this generous donation by the bank and its employees,” said Jen Feldman, Executive Director of Midcoast Music Academy. “These funds will help us to fulfill our mission of providing high quality, accessible music education and programming to dedicated students of all ages.”

Employees participating in Casual for a Cause dress casually on Fridays in exchange for a bi-weekly payroll deduction made to a pool of funds collected each quarter. The employees then vote on which nonprofits will receive the funds. The program has distributed more than $330,000 of employee donations since it began in 2018.

“Casual for a Cause is such a special program because it gives Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees the opportunity to come together and make substantial donations to causes they care about in our communities,” said Jack Frost, VP Director of Community Giving at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. “The nonprofits find the donations especially meaningful because they were chosen by the employees. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Recipients of Q2 2024 Donations

Maine

Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center provides compassion, support, wellness groups, advocacy and education for patients, families, and friends in the midst of a cancer diagnosis, treatment and/or remission. The center provides services for communities in Washington and Hancock counties in Maine. Learn more about Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center at www.bethwrightcancercenter.org. 

“Every dollar counts, and we appreciate your contribution to our cause,” said Angela Fochesato, Executive Director of Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center. “Gifts like these allows us the ability to offer hope, knowledge and support to cancer patients, their families, caregivers and friends by providing a source of information, social services and compassion through all stages of the cancer journey.” 

Brunswick Area Teen Center, a People Plus program, is a drop-in center in downtown Brunswick, Maine, where youth in grades 6-12 can hang out for free and enjoy a safe environment for time with their friends and while meeting new people. The center offers free meals, Wi-Fi, computers, games, homework assistance, and more. Learn about Brunswick Area Teen Center at www.peopleplusmaine.org/brunswick-area-teen-center. 

“The Brunswick Area Teen Center would like to thank Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for their donation made possible by their Casual for a Cause employee-led program,” said Stacy Frizzle-Edgerton, Executive Director of People Plus. “Employees in Maine selected the Brunswick Area Teen Center based upon their dedication to providing a free and safe space for teens to engage in creative outlets, share their talents, hang out with friends, and participate in an abundance of activities put on by staff.” 

Healthy Peninsula is a community health organization focused on the areas of healthy eating, healthy families, and healthy aging, listening to community voices, and creatively responding to priority needs with its unique programs. The organization serves the nine towns of the Blue Hill Peninsula and Deer Isle/Stonington. Learn more about Healthy Peninsula at www.healthypeninsula.org.

“It makes all the difference to be recognized by our friends and neighbors who work at our local bank,” said Anne Schroth, Executive Director of Healthy Peninsula. “This incredible donation will help support several of our projects across all of our community health initiatives, including the Magic Food Bus, Welcome Baby Bags, Walk-in Café, and Bridging Neighbors Community Health Outreach Project.” 

Island Housing Trust is an organization that promotes viable, year-round island communities by advancing permanent workforce housing on Mount Desert Island, Maine. The organization provides housing opportunities that are affordable for those who earn a typical income working on the island. Learn more about Island Housing Trust at www.islandhousingtrust.org.

“This contribution is particularly meaningful to us because it represents both a financial commitment and a strong vote of confidence in our mission," said Marla O'Byrne, Executive Director of Island Housing Trust. "By choosing IHT as a beneficiary, BHBT employees have also made a statement about the importance of year-round housing in creating a thriving, year-round community on MDI. We are very grateful for their support."