City of Lowell and Eastern Bank Collaborate to
Open the City’s Pools This Summer
Eastern Bank matching donations to fund swimming pools
March 10, 2010 09:03 AM Eastern Time
LOWELL, Mass.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--With reductions in state aid jeopardizing the city’s ability to
open its swimming pools this summer, Eastern Bank has agreed to match donations to a fund that will be used to
open City of Lowell pools this summer, the bank and city announced today.
Dubbed “Make a Splash in Lowell,” the unique public-private partnership will attempt to raise a total of $50,000 –
with half coming from public contributions and half from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation.
“As revenues decline and expenses rise, cities like Lowell are being forced to make tough choices these days,” said
Robert F. Rivers, president of Eastern Bank. “We hope this program will eliminate at least one of those choices,
while providing the city’s kids with a safe place to go and create a few jobs along the way.”
All donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar from the bank’s foundation until the $50,000 goal is met. Donations
can be made at any Eastern Bank branch in Greater Lowell or online at www.easternbank.com/makeasplash. The
online donations are being arranged through the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, which is supporting the
initiative by assisting with the fundraising effort.
“While we are faced with tough fiscal choices, the city is committed to providing safe, fun recreation for kids all
summer long,” said Lowell City Manager Bernie Lynch. “The more we can find creative solutions with opportunities
for public-private partnerships, the more we can ensure that City of Lowell residents get the best services possible.
We extend our thanks to Eastern Bank for its generosity and support, not to mention the Greater Lowell Community
Foundation and the people here in City Hall who helped get this program off the ground.”
In 2008, Eastern Bank increased its presence in Middlesex County and the Merri