Every year, Fleetwood Bank employees come together to volunteer their time to raise funds for local nonprofits within the community. This year’s goal was to raise $10,000 in celebration of Fleetwood Bank’s 10th Annual Community Gift Basket Bingo held at Fleetwood Grange on Oct. 27.
Thanks to the help of nearly 100 Fleetwood Bank customers, employees, local businesses and the 175 community members who came out to play Bingo, this goal was exceeded by $1,000.
As a result, Fleetwood Bank was able to donate the $11,000 raised between four local nonprofits — Habitat for Humanity of Berks County, New Journey Community Outreach Inc., Safety Net Sanctuary, and Veterans Making A Difference.
“This annual event is a prime example of how we as community bankers and the only bank headquartered in Berks County serve as a catalyst to help build strong communities,” Timothy Snyder, CEO and president of Fleetwood Bank, said in the release. “Each year different nonprofits are selected to benefit from this fundraiser, and the magnitude of this event grows thanks to our dedicated team and donors. The fact that we surpassed last year’s total by nearly $3,050 speaks volumes. This would not have been possible if it wasn’t for all of our generous donors who gave over $1,000 in gift cards and over 66 basket and raffle donations.”
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Bank employees personally delivered the checks to the organizations so they had a chance to see what they do day in and day out to positively impact our community.
“The funds from this event will help Habitat Berks complete another home for a hardworking family,” Habitat Berks Executive Director Tim Daley said in the release. “Habitat Berks wishes to thank Fleetwood Bank who thought enough of us to make us a recipient of their Basket Bingo fundraiser. Fleetwood Bank and their employees continue to make significant impacts in the communities they serve.”
At New Journey Community Outreach, the organization feeds 400 meals a day and offers a safe, communal space for people to connect and feel supported.
“This generous donation from Fleetwood Bank will feed 2,750 people through our lunch program. We also offer a food pantry program, by appointment. This program allows families to ‘shop’ for groceries in a dignified way and allows them to select foods that fit their specific needs. Sometimes this means ensuring it fits their dietary needs, and sometimes those seeking help may not have a kitchen. No matter the situation, they receive food they can use,” Christie Botterbusch, executive director of New Journey Community Outreach, Inc., said in the release.
Veterans Making A Difference will be allocating the $2,750 they received towards their mission of assisting veterans in need throughout Berks County.
At Safety Net Sanctuary, “All of the animals at Safety Net will benefit from this thoughtful donation, including many senior special needs animals that are part of our rescue family,” Lisa Poper of Safety Net Sanctuary said in the release.
Next year’s fundraiser will take place in October 2025. Those looking to make a difference, whether through purchasing a ticket or making a donation, are encouraged to follow Fleetwood Bank’s social media pages or visit fleetwoodbank.com/annualbingofundraiser.
