Savings Bank of Walpole Supports Kurn Hattin Homes’ Adopt-a-Cottage Program
Mark Bodin, Senior Vice President and CFO of The Savings Bank of Walpole in Walpole, New Hampshire recently presented a $1,000 check supporting Kurn Hattin Homes for Children’s Adopt-a-Cottage program to Kurn Hattin’s Executive Director Stephen Harrison.
According to Bodin, “The Savings Bank of Walpole (SBW) has supported Kurn Hattin Homes for many years. Like most business donors, we gladly wrote a check for the amount requested and supported whatever initiative or event Kurn Hattin pointed us to. The reason for our ongoing support is simple. Kurn Hattin is a vital community organization that does important work and lines up perfectly with our dual philanthropic priorities of youth and education. We believe that all of our children deserve the chance to excel in a healthy, safe and caring environment. Kurn Hattin does a great job in providing these essentials to a population that otherwise lack these things through no fault of their own. We are proud to be their neighbors.
In 2015, SBW supported the new Adopt-a-Cottage program. On the surface this appeared to be another worthwhile initiative by Kurn Hattin, which it clearly is. We are thrilled that the Adopt-a-Cottage program has proven to be much more and has provided a critical and mutually gratifying link between SBW and Kurn Hattin that has legs–it will endure.
The connection started with a fall barbeque hosted by Kurn Hattin for its cottage sponsors. This provided an opportunity to meet Kurn Hattin staff, spend time on the beautiful campus and most importantly, meet a few of “our guys”. SBW is the proud sponsor of the Parent Cottage, which houses up to 10 first-fourth grade boys. On a tour of the cottage, I was able to see the bright blue bedding and towels that were purchased with our supporting gift. It was also striking how clear it was that these boys viewed the Parent Cottage as home—a safe, structured and nurturing place. It was wonderful to see who we were supporting and what our gift meant to them.
Everyone in the branch had a connection to Kurn Hattin on some level. Some sang there, some played sports there, many watched their children play sports there and a few staff had friends that had attended Kurn Hattin. Everyone in our Walpole branch felt a connection to our neighbors at Kurn Hattin and I would bet that most businesses in the community would find the same to be true for them.”
Bodin added, “This is the beginning of a more significant, more connected relationship between the Savings Bank of Walpole and Kurn Hattin Homes. We have the utmost respect for everyone at Kurn Hattin and a deep appreciation for all that they do for our children. The Savings Bank of Walpole is proud to be an active supporter of the Adopt-a-Cottage program and encourages other area businesses to get involved and see all of the mutual benefits a deeper relationship with Kurn Hattin Homes can offer.” If you are interested in learning more about how you can support the Kurn Hattin children, please contact Kim Fine at kfine@kurnhattin.org or (802) 721-6914. Since 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children has helped thousands of at-risk children and their families by offering a safe home and quality education in a nurturing environment. Its mission: Kurn Hattin Homes transforms the lives of children and their families forever.
Pictured (l-r) is Savings Bank of Walpole Mark Bodin presenting a $1,000 check for Adopt-a-Cottage 2016 to Kurn Hattin Homes’ Executive Director Stephen Harrison.
