Saint Vincent's Holds 3rd Annual Summer Celebration

On Friday, June 24th, Saint Vincent’s held its 3rd Annual Kick-Off To Summer Celebration on the tent-covered deck of the Battleship Massachusetts at Battleship Cove in Fall River.  Over 325 guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner prepared by Blount Fine Foods, Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms, Inc., Lafrance Hospitality Company, Ma Raffa’s, Mario’s Lebanese Bakery, Mesa 21, M.S. Catering, Stop & Shop Bakery, T.A. Restaurant, Trio Café and Lounge, and the Waterfront Grille.  Complimentary beer and wine was provided by Quality Beverage and wineries along the Coastal Wine Trail of Southeastern New England.

The celebration, marking the “un-official” start of the summer season and overlooking Fall River’s waterfront, was sponsored by Mechanics Cooperative Bank.  Over $65,000 was raised through sponsorships and tickets sales as well as silent and live auctions.  The proceeds will directly benefit youth in Saint Vincent’s Life Skills Program who are transitioning to independent living and young adulthood.  Saint Vincent’s youth who are aging-out of care and transitioning to independent living are provided with the skills and tools necessary to complete their education, obtain employment, and live as productive adults within society.

Jack Weldon, Executive Director of Saint Vincent’s, presented the Chairperson of the Summer Celebration, Deborah Grimes, Executive Vice President, Retail Banking & Human Resources at Mechanics Cooperative Bank, with an award, thanking her for her dedication and unwavering commitment to Saint Vincent’s children, youth, and families.  Mr. Weldon also thanked Joseph T. Baptista, Jr., President and CEO of Mechanics Cooperative Bank by presenting him with the Community Impact Award on behalf of the children, youth and families served by Saint Vincent’s.  The award recognized Mechanics Cooperative Bank for making a remarkable impact on the lives of children and youth in the community.

Exclusive Silent and Live Auctions featured over 65 items including Boston Red Sox tickets, golf packages, destination packages, jewelry, wine, and art, as well as a Nantucket weekend for four.  Guests played a game of Heads or Tails for a one-week vacation at the Cancun Resort in Las Vegas, complete with two (2) roundtrip tickets aboard Southwest Airlines.

Mechanics Cooperative Bank was the Presenting Sponsor of the Kick-Off To Summer Celebration.  East Commerce Solutions was the Entertainment Sponsor.  Patron Sponsors included Citizens-Union Savings Bank, Dominion, Kiewit Infrastructure Co., Lafrance Hospitality Company, Long Built Homes, and Webster Bank.  Participating Sponsors were BankFive, G & J Properties, Bristol County District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter, Bristol County Savings Bank,  Diocese of Fall River, Mr. & Mrs. Edward M. Lambert, Jr., Jarabek Family Charitable Foundation, Pelham Community Pharmacy, Santos & Santos, CPA., Mr. Albert B. Staebler, and St. Anne’s Credit Union.  Media Sponsors included Benaruz Media, Comcast Spotlight, SOCO Magazine and WEEI Sports Radio.  The Design Sponsor was Orange Square, and the Print Sponsor was Professional Business Solutions.  Floral centerpieces designed by the Fall River Garden Club were donated by Fall River Floral Supply and Stop & Shop Florist.

About Mechanics Cooperative Bank
With total assets of $380 million, Mechanics Cooperative Bank offers a wide variety of personal and business deposit and loan products, including its “Mortgage in a Minute” online mortgage
service.  As a Massachusetts co-operative bank, 100% of customers’ deposits are fully insured.  Established in 1877, Mechanics Cooperative Bank is Massachusetts’ second-oldest co-operative bank. Following the recent merger with Lafayette Federal Savings Bank, the bank now has eight conveniently located branch offices in Taunton, North Dighton, Bridgewater, Fall River, Somerset, Swansea, and Westport.   For more information, call 888-MECHANICS ( 632-4264 ) or visit www.mechanics-coop.com.