TruNorth Bank’s “Funding Their Futures” Program Raises Over $24,000 for Local Schools in 2025

PEABODY, MASSACHUSETTS — April 21, 2026

TruNorth Bank is proud to celebrate the success of its Funding Their Futures program, a community-driven initiative that supports local education while helping to strengthen the communities it serves. In 2025, the program raised more than $24,000, benefiting 19 local schools, school systems, and educational foundations.

As part of The Giving Tree, TruNorth Bank’s charitable giving initiative focused on unlocking potential in local communities, Funding Their Futures turns everyday banking into meaningful impact. Through the program, TruNorth Bank donates $10 for every new Get Real Checking^® account opened, with customers choosing which participating local school, school system, or educational foundation receives the donation. Each organization can then use the funds in whatever way is most beneficial for its students and educational priorities.

“Education is essential to strong communities, and through Funding Their Futures and The Giving Tree, we are proud to partner with our customers in unlocking potential for students across our region,” said Michael R. Wheeler, president and CEO of TruNorth Bank. “By giving customers the opportunity to direct their donation locally, we’re able to make a real and lasting difference where it matters most.”

Funds generated through the program have supported a variety of initiatives, including classroom resources, technology enhancements, student enrichment programs, and other needs identified by schools and educational partners. The flexibility of the donations ensures that each organization can address its most pressing priorities and create meaningful opportunities for students.

Donations for 2025 were recently presented to the following participating schools and organizations: the Abington Educations Foundation, Avon Public Schools, the Beverly Education Foundation, Braintree Public Schools, Cardinal Spellman High School, the Cohasset Education Foundation, the Danvers Education Enrichment Partnership, Holbrook Public Schools, Masconomet Regional High School, the Peabody Education Foundation, the Pentucket Education Foundation, Randolph Public Schools, Reading Public Schools, Sacred Heart, the Salem Education Foundation, Saugus High School, St. Bridget’s School, St. Joseph’s, Stoughton Public Schools, and the Tri-Town Education Foundation.

TruNorth Bank remains committed to investing in education and community development through programs like Funding Their Futures and The Giving Tree, helping to strengthen local communities and create brighter futures for the next generation.

In these photos:

Bridget Baker, executive assistant to the superintendent, Holbrook Public Schools
Julie Hamilton, superintendent, Holbrook Public Schools
Joyce Davis, assistant vice president, branch officer, TruNorth Bank
Dilce Chicha, assistant branch manager, TruNorth Bank

A charitable donation to Tri-Town Education Foundation from from our charitable giving program, The Giving Tree.

Carolyn Brunette, vice president, regional branch manager, TruNorth Bank
Doreen Lopes, chairperson, Tri-Town Education Foundation
Barbara Moody, clerk/co-chairperson of grant distribution, Tri-Town Education Foundation
Michael Nelson, superintendent of schools, ex-officio, Tri-Town Education Foundation
Erin Bednarczyk, school district, member at large, Tri-Town Education Foundation

A check donation to Beverly Education Foundation from from our charitable giving program, The Giving Tree.

Jacki Shambaugh, branch officer, TruNorth Bank
Wilson Jimenez, branch manager, TruNorth Bank
Douglas B. Walker, president, Beverly Education Foundation
Anna T. Green, vice president, Beverly Education Foundation
Catherine Barrett, clerk, Beverly Education Foundation
Kyle Marsh, assistant vice president, branch officer, TruNorth Bank

A check donation to Avon Public Schools from from our charitable giving program, The Giving Tree.

Mary Hardiman, branch officer, TruNorth Bank
Lori Jodoin, superintendent, Avon Public Schools
Breanna Hayes, assistant branch manager, TruNorth Bank

A check donation to Peabody Education Foundation from from our charitable giving program, The Giving Tree.

Daniel Vassallo, treasurer, Peabody Education Foundation
Christopher Pesce, vice president, community relations officer, TruNorth Bank
David Gravel, chairman, Peabody Education Foundation
Mary Bellavance, vice chairperson, Peabody Education Foundation
Dr. Josh Vadala, superintendent of schools, Peabody Public Schools

A check donation to Saugus high school from from our charitable giving program, The Giving Tree.

Erin Riles, branch manager, TruNorth Bank
Carla Scuzzarella, principal, Saugus High School
Leanne Mottola, director of guidance, Saugus High School
Juliann Garland, branch manager, TruNorth Bank

A check donation to Danvers Education Enrichment Program from from our charitable giving program, The Giving Tree.

Ben Thomas, director, Danvers Education Enrichment Program
Matthew Bongiorno, assistant branch manager, TruNorth Bank
Gayla Bartlett, director, Danvers Education Enrichment Program
Chuck McGrath, branch manager, TruNorth Bank
Marybeth Verry, president, Danvers Education Enrichment Program

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