Eastern Bank Contributes $75,000 to Malden After-School Program
Donation serves as challenge to area businesses for similar support  

MALDEN, Feb. 23, 2004 – Mayor Richard C. Howard today announced Eastern Bank donated $75,000 to an after-school program that provides structured, inspirational activities for middle school students.

The Malden Middle School Initiative uses the Citizen Schools model, which provides quality learning and enrichment opportunities, including apprenticeships and mentor opportunities, to 72 students at Salemwood School, a K-8 facility at 529 Salem St. 

Mayor Howard praised Eastern Bank for its “longstanding commitment to the City of Malden.” 

“Time and time again, Eastern Bank steps up to provide financial support for programs that help enrich our community,” he said. “The bank continues to be a good corporate citizen.”

The after-school program is administered by the Partnership for Community Schools in Malden (PCSM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a comprehensive approach to after-school learning. 

The program is part of United Way of Massachusetts Bay’s “Keeping Kids on Track” campaign, a partnership with Massachusetts 2020 Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding educational and economic opportunities for children and families, and other United Ways.

Malden is one of six communities in Massachusetts to expand the nationally recognized Citizen Schools program through the Middle School Initiative. United Way of Massachusetts Bay is spearheading the effort to raise $150,000. That total will help the City of Malden leverage another $150,000 in public and private foundation support.

“We chose Malden for this initiative because the city has demonstrated a commitment to strengthening students’ academic skills, expanding their horizons and increasing their sense of community,” said Marian L. Heard, president and chief executive officer at United Way of Massachusetts Bay. “Eastern Bank’s investment will help middle school youth develop leadership skills, strengthen self-esteem and put kids on the path to succeed.”

The Eastern Bank donation rockets the United Way halfway to its goal and is a challenge grant to area businesses for similar support for the program.

“Eastern Bank is pleased and proud to support this program, which provides young people with career mentors and skill-building opportunities,” said Robert Griffin, executive vice president and head of commercial banking at Eastern Bank.

“The bank makes hundreds of investment decisions a day, but investing in children is the most valuable of all,” Griffin said. “When we support them, we help ensure a brighter future for all of us.”

Based in Boston, Eastern Bank is the largest independent, mutually owned commercial bank in New England.  With $4.7 billion in assets and 51 branches in Greater Boston, Eastern offers a full range of financial products for consumers, businesses, investors, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Its wholly owned subsidiaries are Eastern Insurance, one of New England’s largest insurers, and Fantini & Gorga/iCap Realty Advisors, a real estate advisory firm. 

For more information, contact: Joe Bartolotta, Public Relations Director, Eastern Bank,
(781) 596-4411, or e-mail Joe Bartolotta.