HANOVER, Mass., Dec. 19, 2001 – Mark Primeau and Joseph Richardi, of Eastern Bank, presented a $10,000 check to the St. Coletta & Cardinal Cushing Schools of Massachusetts for their Building Dreams Campaign.

“I am most appreciative of this gift,” said Paul J. Hudson, President and CEO of St. Coletta & Cardinal Cushing Schools. “Eastern Bank’s generosity will help us provide new housing and to improve current facilities in order to enhance the quality of life for our students.”

Eastern Bank’s contribution will be used toward developing new housing for students as well as improving the Hanover and Braintree campuses. St. Coletta & Cardinal Cushing Schools of Massachusetts serves students from throughout New England with mild to severe developmental disabilities. The private non-profit organization offers 11 and 12 month, day and residential programs serving more than 200 children from ages 3 to 22. Cardinal Cushing Adult Services provides support for more than 30 adults in their home and working lives.

“The foundation is proud to support a human service organization that has such a positive impact on the lives of its students,” said Mark Primeau, executive vice president of consumer banking at Eastern. “The Building Dreams campaign will certainly improve the educational experiences of many.”

The Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation supports non-profit organizations in Eastern Massachusetts. It is funded by Eastern Bank, a $4 billion full-service banking company with 46 offices in Greater Boston. Eastern’s lines of business include consumer banking, corporate lending, capital markets, small business banking, cash management, equipment leasing, private banking, trust and investment management, mortgage banking, and consumer finance.

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