Eastern Bank takes lead sponsorship of HAWC Walk

SALEM – Eastern Bank announced Tuesday it will assume the role of presenting sponsor for the 2009 Walk for HAWC fundraiser.The bank has donated $10,000 toward the event annually held to benefit Help for Abused Women and their Children, a non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter, counseling and other services to victims of domestic violence in 23 communities, primarily along the North Shore.The walk will be held on Sunday, April 26 in downtown Salem. Richard E. Holbrook, Eastern Bank chairman and chief executive officer, will serve as the event’s honorary chairman.”Eastern Bank is such a well respected financial institution in the community because of its community outreach and involvement with organizations like HAWC,” said Candace Waldron, executive director for HAWC. “Under Rich’s leadership, Eastern Bank’s support is truly invaluable to the HAWC organization as it will help us to build awareness about our services while taking important steps to advance our mission to end domestic violence in our communities.”Holbrook reiterated the bank’s intention. “Eastern Bank is truly committed to giving back to the communities that it serves,” he said. “Eastern is proud to support organizations such as HAWC, which provides important social services to those in need.”Thousands of North Shore residents traditionally participate in the walk, which aims to raise funds and awareness about the problem of domestic violence.To walk individually, form a team, sponsor a walker or fulfill community service hours, contact HAWC online at www.hawcdv.org.The 5-mile walk begins and ends at Old Town Hall in downtown Salem. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and the walk kicks off at noon.HAWC services include a 24-hour victims’ hotline, emergency shelter and advocacy in courts, police departments and healthcare settings. The organization also provides trauma recovery counseling for adults and children, support groups, economic stability services, relocation and rental assistance, prevention education in schools and communities.