Penn Community Bank announced that two of its team members have been recognized by the YWCA of Bucks County as “Women Who Make a Difference.”
Kirsten Palmieri and Jessica Sweeney were recognized in the category of Corporate Social Responsibility for their leadership of the bank’s annual campaign for United Way of Bucks County.
The awards were presented during the YWCA’s 28th annual Salute to Women Who Make a Difference awards gala on May 16 at Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland. They were among 16 women from across Bucks County who were honored for achievements in a variety of categories, from Advocacy and Civic Engagement to Women’s Empowerment.
“The Salute to Women Who Make a Difference recognizes women in Bucks County who are making exceptional contributions to their businesses, organizations and communities,” said YWCA executive director Guillaume Stewart. “Through this inspiring and empowering annual event, the YWCA has honored hundreds of women over the years, while raising much-needed funds to support our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.”
As United Way Campaign Coordinators for Penn Community Bank, Palmieri and Sweeney led more than 325 bank team members in 2018 to raise $58,588.50 for United Way of Bucks County. The Penn Community Bank Foundation then matched $25,000 worth of contributions, bringing the final donation to $83,855.50, the largest sum raised in the bank’s United Way campaigns to date and an almost 10 percent increase over the previous year.
The donated funds support United Way’s programs and those of its community partners, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County, NOVA and Welcoming the Stranger.
In addition to fundraising, Palmieri and Sweeney organize volunteers for United Way programs. Penn Community Bank serves as the presenting sponsor for United Way’s annual hunger prevention effort, Bucks Knocks Out Hunger. In 2018, bank team members joined hundreds of other volunteers to pack 125,000 meals during the event, and money raised provided 32,000 pounds of fresh products such as vegetables and dairy to food pantries.
“As our United Way Campaign Coordinators, Kirsten’s and Jessica’s commitment to volunteerism energizes our entire team,” said Todd R. Hurley, chief relationship officer at Penn Community Bank. “We are proud to see them recognized by the YWCA for their efforts to advance programs that create lasting change in our communities.”
