Annual Community Gift Basket Bingo Run by Fleetwood Bank Employees
Raises More Than Ever To Benefit Four Charities Throughout Berks County
Fleetwood Bank recently hosted their Annual Community Gift Basket Bingo on Sunday, October 27 at the Fleetwood Grange. Every year, employees come together to volunteer their time to raise funds for local nonprofits within our community. The Bank had a goal of raising $10,000 in celebration of this being their Tenth Annual Bingo.
Thanks to the help of nearly 100 Fleetwood Bank customers, employees, local businesses and the 175 community members who came out to play Bingo, this goal was exceeded by $1,000. As a result, Fleetwood Bank was able to donate the $11,000 raised between four local charities: Habitat for Humanity of Berks County, New Journey Community Outreach, Inc., Safety Net Sanctuary, and Veterans Making A Difference. Bank employees personally delivered the checks to the organizations so they had a chance to see what they do day in and day out to positively impact our community.
At New Journey Community Outreach, the Bank had the privilege of learning about how the organization feeds 400 meals a day and offers a safe, communal space for people to connect and feel supported. “This generous donation from Fleetwood Bank will feed 2,750 people through our lunch program. We also offer a food pantry program, by appointment. This program allows families to ‘shop’ for groceries in a dignified way and allows them to select foods that fit their specific needs. Sometimes this means ensuring it fits their dietary needs, and sometimes those seeking help may not have a kitchen. No matter the situation, they receive food they can use,” explains Christie Botterbusch, Executive Director of New Journey Community Outreach, Inc.
Veterans Making A Difference will be allocating the $2,750 they received towards their mission of assisting Veterans in need throughout Berks County. According to Lisa Poper of Safety Net Sanctuary, “All of the animals at Safety Net will benefit from this thoughtful donation, including many senior special needs animals that are part of our rescue family.”
“The funds from this event will help Habitat Berks complete another home for a hardworking family,” explains Executive Director, Tim Daley. “Habitat Berks wishes to thank Fleetwood Bank who thought enough of us to make us a recipient of their Basket Bingo fundraiser. Fleetwood Bank and their employees continue to make significant impacts in the communities they serve,” he concludes.
“This annual event is a prime example of how we as community bankers and the only bank headquartered in Berks County serve as a catalyst to help build strong communities,” explains Timothy Snyder, CEO and President of Fleetwood Bank. “Each year different nonprofits are selected to benefit from this fundraiser, and the magnitude of this event grows thanks to our dedicated team and donors. The fact that we surpassed last year’s total by nearly $3,050 speaks volumes. This would not have been possible if it wasn’t for all of our generous donors who gave over $1,000 in gift cards and over 66 basket and raffle donations.”
Next year’s fundraiser will take place on Sunday, October 26, 2025. Those looking to make a difference, whether through purchasing a ticket or making a donation, are encouraged to follow the bank’s social media pages or visit our website at fleetwoodbank.com/annualbingofundraiser to stay in the know for more information on how to get involved next year.
About Fleetwood Bank
Founded in 1907, Fleetwood Bank specializes in delivering the highest quality products, service and convenience in financial services with a friendly and familiar face. With over 100+ years as a community bank, they pride themselves in being the only bank based in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Fleetwood Bank offers online and mobile banking, business and personal deposit accounts, loans, cash management services, mortgages, and more. Manage all of your individual and business financial needs at the intersection of convenience and personability with Fleetwood Bank. They employ over 60 educated and motivated team members to improve the quality of life in the communities they serve. Fleetwood Bank is a member of the FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. Exceptional service is consistently provided across all seven branches located in Blandon, Fleetwood, Kutztown, Lyons, Oley, Shoemakersville, and Wyomissing. For more information, and to see for yourself why Fleetwood Bank was voted Berks County Living’s Best Financial Institution and the Reading Eagle’s Readers Choice for Best Bank, visit fleetwoodbank.com.
About Habitat for Humanity of Berks County:
Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1988. Since then, the number of homes built is well over sixty and still rising. Our vision at Habitat for Humanity of Berks County is to be among the major housing leaders in our community for neighborhood revitalization by providing affordable housing and homeownership opportunities for our client families. Learn more by visiting habitatberks.org.
About New Journey Community Outreach, Inc.:
Their 2014 establishment was an immediate response to the closing of New Journey United Methodist Church (which merged with West Lawn United Methodist Church). NJCO has assumed responsibility for continuing the essential food and clothing services provided for low-income persons by “the yellow church” which served as a leader for social outreach programs in Southwest Reading for the past five decades. Given the high poverty rate in Reading (one of the highest in the country for cities with a population of 65,000+), NJCO is proud to continue this legacy and provide charitable programs and services for low and moderate-income persons in the Reading, PA community. Learn more by visiting njcoinc.org.
About Safety Net Sanctuary:
This unique pet rescue located on a 12-acre farm in Fleetwood, PA specializes in providing care for senior and special needs animals of all types since 2014. Safety Net Sanctuary works hard to provide the best care and future for the animals entrusted in their care. Farm animals, along with dogs and cats, are welcome to spend their senior years enjoying life on the farm. Over the past seven years, over 100 families have adopted pets from the Sanctuary, which currently provides a safe, healthy, and happy life for 50 senior and special needs animals. Learn more by visiting safetynetsanctuary.com.
About Veterans Making A Difference:
Founded by local veterans, Doug and Liz Graybill, Veterans Making A Difference is a nonprofit that helps veterans in need throughout Berks County. Learn more by visiting their Facebook page.
