Westbrook, CT (January 16, 2004) - At the first-ever Community Champions Celebration, Citizens Bank of Connecticut and News Channel 8 recently named Marrakech Day Services as its first "Community Champion" in 2004. As part of the award, Marrakech Day Services will receive a $25,000 grant, media coverage and extensive promotional and volunteer support for its outstanding work serving individuals with special needs.
Marrakech Day Services was chosen as a Community Champion for its long-time, dedicated work in creating opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities and helping them achieve a better quality of life.
Marrakech Day Services is the sixth organization to be named a Community Champion since the program started in October 2002. The first five Connecticut Community Champions were also honored at the luncheon, which was attended by other non-profits from around the state. They were AIDS Project New Haven, Christian Community Action of New Haven, Oddfellows Playhouse of Middletown, Alderhouse Residential Communities, Inc. of Middletown, and The New London Meal Center.
"Citizens Bank is pleased to name Marrakech Day Services as its newest Community Champion. The work they do allows folks with special needs the opportunity to achieve independence and success in a supportive and nurturing environment," said Ned Handy, Regional President of Citizens Bank of Connecticut.
"Quality partnerships and programs such as this one allows us the opportunity to demonstrate our community commitment, and gives us the chance to thank those local groups who do so much good work on behalf of us all," said Jon Hitchcock, President and General Manger for WTNH-News Channel 8."
Marrakech Day Services is being recognized for:
- Its 33-year history of serving individuals with special needs.
- Its innovative plan to open a cafe and bookstore which will provide clients with job training in retail and food services, provide some clients with transitional employment, while providing a supportive environment for others.
As the Community Champion, Marrakech Day Services will receive:
- A $25,000 contribution in unrestricted funds from Citizens Bank;
- Media coverage from News Channel 8, including public service announcements and television profiles;
- Volunteer support from Citizens and News Channel 8 employees;
- Extensive public relations support;
- Promotional support, highlighting the "Community Champion" in all Citizens Bank branches and on its ATMs; and
- Exposure on both Citizens Bank and News Channel 8 Web sites.
"Our organization has always been mission-driven. We are honored to be recognized as a champion of helping people achieve a better quality of life," said Frank McCarthy, Executive Director of Marrakech, Inc.
Citizens Bank and WTNH-News Channel 8 have announced the topics for 2004. A non-profit agency in the violence prevention category will be named in April 2004.
Applications for the third quarter topic of affordable housing are welcome. Applications must be received at Citizens Bank, 237 Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457 by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Apr. 9, 2004.
For more information about the Community Champions Program, visit www.citizensbank.com or www.wtnh.com. To learn more about how to contribute to Marrakech Day Services, call (203) 389-2970.