Community Bank Receives Honor from United Way for Community Spirit

“Community is more than just a part of our bank’s name. It’s an integral part of who we are and what we do.”

Those words are from Rita Walldroff, Regional Retail Banking Manager at Community Bank but it’s a sentiment that could be spoken by anyone across all 250+ Community Bank branches. Today, Rita’s words ring especially true. The United Way of Northern New York recently honored Community Bank with the Macsherry Family Community Spirit Award.

Community Bank’s branches in the Watertown, N.Y., area provide a wide range of community support: a yearly corporate gift and a robust employee-giving campaign. These gifts provide much-needed “muscle” for the annual Jefferson County food drive. And Community Bank’s team gets a chance to participate in the thrilling Over the Edge fundraiser sponsored by the United Way of Northern New York.

Rita notes that each opportunity presents its own challenges and gives support to those who need it. “It’s all about helping the communities we live and work in.” Rita said. “Whether we’re selling hot dogs at the Adams Cheese Festival to support the school’s backpack program or collecting food in our branches to support local food pantries or racing through Public Square to help those who live in poverty or repelling from tall buildings to support our local United Way.”

Rita accepted the honor at the United Way of Northern New York’s annual kickoff luncheon with a group of Community Bank team members also in attendance. She particularly wanted to recognize Cathy Ward, who for years has served as the bank’s United Way campaign coordinator.

“These are just some of the amazing people who have played a significant role in helping our area non-profit organizations,” Rita said. “This award means a great deal to all of us at Community Bank, and we’re honored and humbled to receive it.”