Eastern Bank donated $10,000 to cover the travel expenses of Peabody Western Little League family members traveling to Williamsport, Pa. to watch their sons play in the Little League World Series.
Eastern Bank's decision to cover the fuel and lodging costs came after the Peabody Western Little League officials began contacting local businesses, asking for help to help defray these travel expenses. The donation - the largest received by the league - was made by the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation.
The check was presented to league president Dave Cravotta by Joseph Riley, an executive vice president at Eastern Bank and a Peabody resident. Cravotta was joined by several parents, and dozens of Eastern Bank employees.
"We really appreciate this generous donation from Eastern Bank," said league president Dave Cravotta. "The march through the playoffs has been exciting, but it has also put financial stress on our parents. This donation puts the financial distraction behind them so they and their sons can focus on bringing a championship to Peabody."

Peabody Western, known locally as "Peabody West," earned a trip to the tournament on Saturday after Matt Hosman's game-winning grand slam in the seventh inning propelled them to an 11-7 win over Rhode Island.
"Great teamwork happens both on and off the field," said Richard E. Holbrook, chairman and CEO of Eastern Bank. "Peabody West has shown what great teamwork is all about on the field, while we here at Eastern Bank pride ourselves in demonstrating the value of teamwork in our communities.
"We are proud to support the friends and families of Peabody West in this historic run to the Little League World Series," Holbrook added.
Peabody Western plays Southwest Region champion Texas West (of San Antonio) at 8 p.m. on Friday in Williamsport, Pa. The game is scheduled to air on ESPN. The Little League World Series runs from Friday to Sunday, August 30.

About Eastern Bank
Founded in 1818 and based in Boston, Eastern Bank is the largest independent and mutually owned bank in New England, with almost $7.0 billion in assets and more than 80 branches serving communities from the Merrimack Valley to Cape Cod. Eastern Bank offers banking, investments and insurance all under one roof, and prides itself on working harder to understand its customers' needs so it can deliver these services in a committed and personal way. Eastern Bank's subsidiaries include Eastern Investment Advisors, Eastern Insurance and Fantini & Gorga, a real estate advisory firm. For more information, visit www.easternbank.com.