June 1, 2006

BRIDGEPORT, CONN. - Non-profit organizations and local educational institutions were the beneficiaries of more than $70,000 contributed by People's Bank to the greater Norwich region in the opening months of 2006.

During the first quarter of 2006, People's Bank's charitable outreach and community involvement benefited a variety of community-related organizations in the Norwich area, including the Backus Foundation, which received the first installment of a $50,000 donation. The gift will go toward the hospital's $50 million capital campaign, aimed at facility expansion.

"People's Bank has once again shown a deep commitment to the community," said David Whitehead, vice president of planning for Backus Hospital and co-chair of the Backus Care Campaign. "We are very appreciative to them for their continued support. This gift will allow us to continue to deliver high quality health care to individuals in Eastern Connecticut."

In the Greater Norwich area, People's Bank donations include $5,000 to the New London Rotary Club, $5,000 to the Willimantic Chamber of Commerce, $4,000 to Eastern Connecticut Housing Opportunities to assist in raising awareness of affordable housing financing options, and $1,000 to United Community & Family Services, which provides healthcare and community services to residents of Norwich and the surrounding areas.

"At People's, our corporate philanthropy is focused on the causes of children, education and housing. This quarter's charitable contributions throughout the Norwich region will help many in need," said Mary-Jo Wlodecki, first vice president and growth manager for the bank's Greater Norwich area. "We are proud to make contributions to these worthy programs and organizations, as they all do important work in making the Norwich area a great place to live and work."

People's Bank also provided $5,000 in funding for Best Production Spirit of Broadway Theater and $7,500 to the Connecticut Defenders minor league baseball team.

To demonstrate the value of local higher education, People's Bank supported various educational efforts, allocating $15,000 for college scholarships that will be awarded to graduating seniors from area high schools. People's Bank also has made an additional donation of $5,000 to the Three Rivers Community College Foundation Nursing Emergency Fund.

Founded in 1842, People's Bank (peoples.com) is one of Connecticut's largest banks with assets of $11 billion, more than 240 ATMs and 154 branches, 71 of which offer convenient seven-day banking in Super Stop & Shop locations across the state. A diversified financial services company, People's Bank provides consumer, commercial, insurance, retail investment and trust services to personal and business banking customers. People's Bank is the official banking partner of the University of Connecticut's Division of Athletics. For more information about People's, its products and services, please call 800-772-1090, visit peoples.com or any of People's branches.