By Suzanne Hodgson

Staff Writer

For 16 years Kennebunk residents have paid close attention to how well Kennebunk Savings Bank is doing.

The bank gives 10 percent of its earnings, or $400,000 to various charitable organizations in its Community Investment Program, with $80,000 going back into the hands of bank customers who decide where it will be donated.

Each year the 15 branches of the local bank hold a Community Investment Program ballot vote for customers to choose their favorite charities, and the money is allocated to all the charities, based on number of votes received. 

This year charities are able to market themselves online by uploading YouTube videos informing the public of what service the charity provides, or asking bank customers for their votes on this year’s ballot.

York County Shelter uploaded a picture slideshow of how their volunteers have helped the community over the years and services the shelter provides. The Center for Wildlife’s video featured a white hedgehog dancing to the C+C Music Factory classic hit “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now).”

Brad Paige, Kennebunk Savings president said since the beginning of the charity program, the bank has donated $6 million throughout southern Maine.

In 2009 the bank had a record 7,200 votes for 220 charities. With almost 10 percent of all votes, the Animal Welfare Society received $7,865 from the bank.

“We’ve been fortunate enough people love animals and care for animals,” said Steven Jacobsen, executive director for the Animal Welfare Society.

Jacobsen said the checks always seem to come at a good time of year, around July and August when the shelter needs support.

“It gives us a real shot in the arm for cash flow,” Jacobsen said.

Animal Welfare Society has used the donation for animal food and medicine. Ties to Kennebunk Savings Bank go deeper than just receiving the yearly donation.

The bank’s insurance company, Kennebunk Savings Insurance, also invests money in Animal Welfare Society’s annual Strut Your Mutt Walk at Mother’s Beach in Kennebunk.

Kennebunk Savings Insurance underwrites the event; so all of the money raised goes to shelter expenses. Last year the shelter made $50,000 from the Strut Your Mutt Walk.

Paige said that many of the nonprofits that receive donations have ties to the bank in some way, including bank employees who volunteer at the charities.

Videos can be viewed at www.youtube.com/MakeYourCase.

Voting is open to all bank customers. Nonprofit organizations from all over southern Maine were able to put their names on the ballot, but cannot vote.

Deadline for voting is April 30, and charities will begin to see donations arrive in July or August.

Staff Writer Suzanne Hodgson can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 233.