Essex Savings Bank assists The Strong Center Field at the Surf Club Committee

The Strong Center Field at the Surf Club Committee is planning a mailing to communicate their plans to get even stronger with the help of Essex Savings Bank. "We noticed the groundswell of this nonprofit group of local residents who started an initiative to overhaul and renovate the field, the structures and the entrance to the area. It is our pleasure to join in and help promote and underwrite a portion of the costs to deliver information, raise funds and requests for assistance for the town treasure known to us as the Surf Club," said Greg Shook, president and CEO of the bank. Customers of the bank will be able to vote to direct funds to the surf club in the annual community investment program from February to March. The field is used by boys and girls soccer, football and lacrosse teams, in addition to recreational teams, such as the adult softball league. "The town is in no position to put a great deal of money into the field in terms of renovating and beautifying it," said Ciotti. "We have made excellent progress so far, but we need to solicit more private donors and look into other areas of fund-raising," said Ciotti. The group has $1 million so far, one third of what they hope to have by the end of the fundraising initiative. The project will cost about $3.2 million, and the group is aiming for completion by Sept. 1, 2012 For questions or for an opportunity to help with the project, call Ciotti at 203-671-9805. http://www.strongcentersurfclub.org/vision.html Since 1851, Essex Savings Bank has been a "safe financial harbor" for individuals, families, and businesses along the Connecticut shoreline. Today, the bank provides checking, savings, loans, trust and wealth management services, along with a full range of investment services through it's subsidiary Essex Financial Services, Inc. Its five branches are located in Essex, Madison, Old Lyme and Old Saybrook, Connecticut.