Sanford, ME – Partners Bank honored its outstanding employees during its annual Employee Appreciation Celebration, held at The Regatta in Eliot, Maine. The casino-themed evening was filled with fun, gratitude, and community impact as the Bank presented several team members with special awards – each accompanied by the opportunity to direct a donation from the Bank to a nonprofit organization of their choice.

Award Winners and Their Nonprofit Selections

• Kathy Horne, Assistant Manager– Partner Award
  Kathy selected Seacoast Mental Health Center (Portsmouth, NH), which provides critical mental health services to individuals and families across the Seacoast region, to receive $1,000.

“I lost my husband to suicide several years ago, and my son struggles with depression. There is such an overwhelming number of people suffering with mental health issues and not enough help and support to help create an environment where mental health care is priority and easily accessible for everyone.” — Kathy Horne

• Rebecca Smith, Loan Servicing Assistant Manager– Partner Award
  Rebecca chose Caring Unlimited (Sanford, ME), York County’s domestic violence resource center, supporting survivors through shelter, advocacy, and outreach, to receive $1,000.

“This program not only provides safety to those in our communities in need but also education and training to help bring an end to domestic violence. I believe it is important for everyone to be educated and knowledgeable about what to do and who you can turn to when you are in need.” — Rebecca Smith

• Crystal Lambert, VP & Commercial Operations Manager– Employee of the Year
  Crystal directed her donation to the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, which offers specialized care and support for children battling cancer and blood disorders, to receive $1,000.

“As a parent myself, I see the value in what MCCP offers to children and their families during such an unimaginable time. Each donation to the organization goes directly to supporting treatments, research, and support services so every dollar really does count!” — Crystal Lambert

• Stefan Lange, VP & Controller of Accounting– Employee of the Year
  Stefan chose Appalachian Mountain Club, which is dedicated to fostering the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, to receive $1,000.

“As an avid hiker I value the AMC’s contributions to helping build and maintain trails, protect public lands, and support outdoor conservation.” – Stefan Lange

• Rich Goodenough, VP & Commercial Lender– Community Service Award
  Rich selected the South Berwick Food Pantry (South Berwick, ME), which provides essential food assistance to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, to receive $1,000.

“The South Berwick Food Pantry plays a vital role in supporting our community, meeting a constant and growing need. It’s truly remarkable what they’re able to accomplish with such a small space – providing essential resources and care to those who need it most.” — Rich Goodenough

• Karen Gellatly, HR Manager– Community Service Award
  Karen directed $3,000 in total donations to two Community Action Partnership (CAP) agencies, supporting their broad efforts in education, housing, nutrition, energy assistance, and family services:
  • $1,500 to CAP of Strafford County (NH) for their “$60K for 60 Years” Campaign
  • $1,500 to CAP of York County (ME) for their York County Shelter Programs

“There are so many worthwhile organizations, and it was difficult to select only two of them. CAP agencies provide programs and services designed to have a measurable impact on the health and welfare of people of all ages.” — Karen Gellatly

These donations highlight Partners Bank’s commitment to giving back and honoring the passions and service of its team members. The Employee Appreciation Celebration is a signature event where gratitude meets community impact.

“This evening was all about celebrating our people—their integrity, their dedication, and their heart,” said Blaine Boudreau, CEO of Partners Bank. “We’re proud to support the causes they believe in and recognize their contributions both inside and outside the workplace.”