6 GSB employees at a Pride event

GSB Sponsors Local CT Events

August 22, 2023

What’s Very Important this Year? Everything.

GSB strives to be a strong community partner, and we’ve been working to make it a fun and enjoyable season! All summer, we’ve been sponsoring or taking part in events ranging from parades to annual concerts. We’ve also been proud to partner with local nonprofit organizations to support their efforts. We know that when our communities thrive, we all thrive.

Summer started early this year with our friends at the SARAH Foundation, sponsoring their annual gala on May 11th at The Woodwinds in Branford. This organization is a valuable partner in our community, providing critical programs and services such as residential housing and support, day programs and recreational activities, transitional and employment services, respite care, and birth-to-three early intervention services.

In preparation for Pride Month, GSB joined the Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Chamber (CTGLC) in May. This organization provides important business development opportunities, financial access, and educational resources to the LGBTQ+ and allied business community. We decided to join CTGLC as a show of support for the LGBTQ+ community, to better engage and network with these entrepreneurs, and to recruit diverse talent that reflects the communities we serve. We were also happy to participate in the inaugural Guilford Pride event, which took place on May 20th on the Guilford Green.

GSB was particularly busy in June. You may have seen us attending the Clifford Beers’ Builders of Hope Breakfast to sponsor the Clifford Beers Community Care Center’s mental health programs, or the High Hopes Barn Bash in support of the therapeutic equine activities offered by High Hopes Therapeutic Riding in Old Lyme. Or maybe you spotted some of our GSB employees cracking into some crustaceans at the Rotary Club of Guilford’s annual Lobsterfest celebration, which raises funds for numerous groups in the Guilford community.

Our employees always enjoy the summer season for the opportunity to hit the links for a good cause. This year, we participated in the East Haven Chamber Scholarship Golf Tournament, supporting scholarships for East Haven High School students, and the St. Martin de Porres Academy’s Golf-Fore-Kids tournament, which raises funds for the academy’s tuition-free extended day education for children from low-income families in the New Haven area. GSB also celebrated its first year as the official banking partner of the Connecticut State Golf Association.

We went from swinging the golf clubs to swinging a hammer in July, volunteering with the Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven and Raise the Roof to help construct a house on Russell Street in New Haven. We also continued our partnerships with local community foundations, donating $45,000 to the Community Foundation of Middlesex County and $30,000 each to the Branford Community Foundation, The Guilford Foundation, and The Madison Foundation.

In the last weeks of summer, we’ll be sponsoring and attending some of the local events and organizations that bring joy to the communities we serve.

We’ve been longtime supporters of the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, a lovely performing arts space in the heart of downtown Old Saybrook that brings top talent to our shoreline. On August 20th, we’ll be supporting The Kate Gala as they raise funds for the theater and honor Candice Bergen with the Spirit of Katharine Hepburn Award.

Fair season is here, and we’re joining the celebration by sponsoring two of these events in our local communities: the East Haven Fall Festival (September 8-10) and the Guilford Fair (September 15-17). Buy some local products, enjoy the rides and games, and indulge in some fried dough. Our team members will be joining in the fun, and are happy to answer any banking questions you might have.

GSB is always happy to partner with local organizations to make a difference in our communities. Learn more about our community impact and how GSB can support your cause.