CLINTON, N.J. (May 28, 2013) - Most people find it difficult to picture bank executives spending a night in a cardboard box like many homeless people are forced to do, but that's exactly what Unity Bank President & CEO James A. Hughes and Vice President of Marketing Rosemary Fellner will be doing on Saturday, June 1.
"As a community bank, it's important that we support organizations like Family Promise of Hunterdon County because the work they do is just so important," said Hughes. "But sometimes you need to do more than write a check. We felt this was one of those times because we all need to be reminded that there are people who have nowhere to call home, even in Hunterdon County."
Unity Bank has been a sponsor of Family Promise of Hunterdon County's Annual Box City for the last three years. The fundraiser, held on the Hunterdon Central High School practice field in Flemington from 6 p.m. June 1 to 8 a.m. June 2, supports the organization's services for homeless families and increases awareness about homelessness locally.
"Unity Bank has supported Family Promise of Hunterdon County in many ways, including our annual classic car show coming up later in June," said Fellner. "The Annual Box City is really a unique opportunity to increase awareness of the housing and economic challenges faced by those who are in need of assistance. We are really looking forward to connecting with the community in a very different way."
Family Promise of Hunterdon County welcomes everyone to participate by sleeping out, coming for the evening's festivities until 11p.m., or supporting those that do. The organization suggests those interested in participating to contact appliance retailers, outdoor furniture stores, car repair companies and similar merchants to get boxes for the event.
Participants will raise a minimum of $25 each, and any participant who raises more than $50 will receive a special Box City t-shirt. Prizes for the top individual and team fundraisers (average amount raised per team member) will be available. Funds raised will help prevent homelessness and provide critically important services and housing for homeless families in Hunterdon County.
An outdoor movie and entertainment will be provided weather permitting. Family Promise of Hunterdon County suggests bringing games, balls, musical instruments and other ways to pass the time. The organization will provide dinner, as well as a light breakfast and plenty of beverages. Indoor restrooms are available. Participants who are unable to spend the night are welcome as are visitors interested in learning more about Family Promise of Hunterdon County and the event. Those not camping out must leave by 11 p.m. For more information, please call 908-782-2490.
Family Promise of Hunterdon County, through Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN), provides the county's only homeless shelter as well as a homeless prevention program. IHN is a community partnership of paid staff and volunteers from a vast network of congregations throughout Hunterdon County. Services include shelter, food, homeless prevention/rapid re-housing, mental health services and after-shelter support.
About Unity Bank
Unity Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: UNTY) is a financial services organization headquartered in Clinton, N.J. Unity Bank provides financial services to retail, corporate and small business customers through its 15 bank branches in Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset, Union and Warren Counties in New Jersey and Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Unity Bank provides traditional and community-oriented commercial banking services, including personal and business checking accounts and time deposits, money market accounts and regular savings accounts. For more information, please visit www.unitybank.com or call 800-618-BANK (800-618-2265).