Kennebunk Savings Demonstrates Support for Racial Unity Team with $10,000 Sponsorship
Kennebunk Savings, a trusted financial institution, has made a significant contribution to the Racial Unity Team by sponsoring them with a generous $10,000 donation. The Racial Unity Team is a nonprofit organization based in Stratham, New Hampshire, that works tirelessly to promote racial justice and foster cultural understanding in schools, businesses, municipalities, and communities. Their efforts have been widely recognized, with their Arts in Action public school program recently receiving the prestigious 2023 Governor’s Arts Education Award.
The sponsorship from Kennebunk Savings signifies the bank’s commitment to elevating and highlighting different voices and experiences. Will Hygh, the chair of the bank’s DE&I Council, expressed excitement for the recognition the Racial Unity Team has received and emphasized the importance of continuous learning and awareness. Hygh stated, We really value what the Racial Unity Team does at schools and in the community, starting the conversation early and sustaining it, making us all more aware of each other and our lived experiences.
Ken Mendis, a founding member of the Racial Unity Team and its current board chair, understands the significance of diversity and inclusion efforts in workplaces like Kennebunk Savings. Mendis emphasized that cultivating an inclusive work environment can lead to reduced employee turnover. When employees feel valued and heard, they are more likely to stay with a company. Inclusion, diversity, and equity empower employees to take pride in their work and the company, fostering a positive work environment.
One of Kennebunk Savings’ branch managers, Dory Polanco, volunteers on the Racial Unity Team board of directors. Polanco shared her personal experience of immigrating to the United States at a young age and the challenges she faced in finding inclusivity. She expressed her desire to provide every child with the opportunity to express themselves and belong, emphasizing the importance of safe spaces where individuals can relate to others who share their experiences.
The Racial Unity Team is currently busy planning a celebration for Indigenous Peoples Day on October 9 at Founder’s Park in Exeter, New Hampshire. This event will serve as an opportunity to promote cultural understanding and create a sense of unity among diverse communities. For more information on the celebration and the Racial Unity Team’s initiatives, visit their official website at https://racialunityteam.com/indigenous-people.
Kennebunk Savings’ $10,000 sponsorship of the Racial Unity Team demonstrates their commitment to supporting organizations that strive to create a more inclusive society. With their generous contribution, Kennebunk Savings is actively contributing to the fight against racial injustice and promoting cultural understanding in communities.
