BANGOR – The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation has announced the 2009 Community Matters More winners. More than 86,000 votes for more than 2,900 nonprofit organizations were cast.

With the help of residents throughout the state, a total of $100,000 was distributed to 68 nonprofits. The eight organizations that received the most votes were awarded a $5000 grant and the remaining organizations were each awarded a $1,000 grant. The top 20 write-in winners received a $1,000 grant.

Foundation $5,000 grant winner in the western market, represented by branches in Rumford, Dixfield, Farmington-Mt. Blue, Farmington-Main Street, Madison and Skowhegan was the Hope Association in Rumford. Bangor Savings Bank Rumford Branch Manager Kelly Greene, Dixfield Branch Manager Heidi Thibeault and Vice President/Area Sales Manager Sandra Goodwin presented the check to representatives of the Hope Association.

Hope Association uses grants and donated funds for items and functions that are not covered by MaineCare. “MaineCare pays for basic services, but there are many ways to improve the quality of life of the people we serve that are not funded by MaineCare,” said Joe Sirois, executive director at Hope Association.

The grant will help the Hope Association pay for summer camp tuition for some program participants, community inclusion activities such as eating in a restaurant, going to a movie, swimming or bowling.

The eight $1,000 grants went to HealthReach Community Health Centers, Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County, LEAP Inc., Franklin County Children’s Task Force, Spectrum Generations of Somerset County, Washburn-Norlands Living History Center and Rape Education and Crisis Hotline.

Washburn-Norlands Living History Center and REACH were the top write-in votes in the western market.