AUBURN – Northeast Bank announces that Alina Burke, assistant vice president and business development officer, was recognized as the bank’s 2005 America’s Promise Volunteer at a special recognition luncheon held during Bankers’ Day at the State House on April 5. “We were extremely pleased to select Alina for this recognition,” said Jim Delamater, president and CEO of Northeast Bank. “Her efforts exemplify the bank’s commitment to the America’s Promise program.”

Burke serves the youth of the Lewiston/Auburn area in numerous ways in support of the Five Promises. As a past president of the Optimist Club she supports area events like essay and oratorical contests, bike safety rodeos, holiday parties and fund-raising for Children’s Cancer Network.

The bike safety rodeos provide finger-printing, bike safety checks, free helmets, ambulance tours and bike give-a ways. The Halloween parties provide a safe place to celebrate the holiday, with games, food and prizes. The Christmas parties are for families of children in need. Burke recruited volunteers to provide gifts, food, and wrapping for seven families. Burke also serves the Fairview School PTO and took kindergarten children to the food pantry to assist “Pack the Pantry” where children learned about hunger problems and packed food boxes for families at Thanksgiving.

“Since 1999 Maine banks have been emphasizing their commitment to children through their active participation in America’s Promise,” said Joe Pietroski, president of the Maine Bankers Association. “Annually, employees of our membership which encompass banks throughout Maine, volunteer tens of thousands of hours to positively impact the lives of thousands of Maine children and their families.”

The 122nd State Legislature further recognized the 25 bankers being acknowledged this year with a joint resolution commending the Maine Bankers Association and their employees for their volunteer efforts, financial education activities, participation in America’s Promise and other worthwhile community programs that support Maine’s youth at critical times in their lives, allowing America’s dreams to take shape.

America’s Promise is a national not-for-profit organization that serves as a nationwide catalyst, urging public, private and nonprofit organizations to focus their combined talents and resources to improve the lives of our nation’s youth.

“Through the efforts of employees like Alina Burke at Northeast Bank, banks all across Maine are pulling their weight to help improve the lives of children in their local communities,” said Joe Pietroski.

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