AIDS Response Seacoast Named 2007 Champion in Action in area of community health care

Citizens Bank New Hampshire and WMUR-TV have named AIDS Response Seacoast as its 2007 third quarter Champion in ActionSM in the area of community health care. As part of the award, AIDS Response - Seacoast will receive a $25,000 grant, media coverage, and extensive promotional and volunteer support for its dedication to  providing prevention and awareness education about HIV/AIDS and supporting individuals living with this disease.

“Citizens Bank is pleased to join WMUR-TV in naming AIDS Response Seacoast as its newest Champion in Action,” said Cathy Schmidt, President and CEO of Citizens Bank. “By providing financial, marketing, and volunteer support, we can assist these Champions in taking a big step forward in advancing their programs and services. AIDS Response – Seacoast helps thousands of people each year learn how to either reduce or eliminate the risk of becoming HIV+ and we are proud to recognize their advocacy efforts and help them grow.”

The Champions in ActionSM program is designed to recognize and support non-profit organizations for their contributions to New Hampshire communities. A new Champion in Action is selected each quarter among a range of social service areas.

“We continue to be extremely proud to share in this initiative with Citizens Bank," said Jeff Bartlett, General Manager of WMUR-TV.  “We are very pleased to help out organizations across the state which demonstrate such a strong community commitment, and make a difference in the lives of so many New Hampshire residents. They truly are champions.”
 
 As a Champion in Action, AIDS Response Seacoast will receive:

• A $25,000 contribution in unrestricted funds from the Citizens Bank Foundation.
• Media coverage from WMUR-TV, including public service announcements and television profiles.
• Volunteer support from Citizens and WMUR-TV employees.
• Extensive public relations support.
• Promotional support, highlighting the current “Champion in Action” in all Citizens Bank branches and on its ATMs.
• Exposure on both Citizens Bank and WMUR-TV Web sites.

“We are honored to be recognized by Citizens Bank and WMUR-TV as a Champion in Action,” said Tom Kaufhold, President of the Board of Directors of AIDS Response - Seacoast. “We will use the resources that this award brings, including the publicity and the financial contribution, to continue to provide a public awareness and educational tool for the community and assist those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.  This partnership will also assist our ongoing efforts to provide critical prevention and awareness education to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS.  We commend Citizens Bank and WMUR-TV for their support of non-profit organizations through the Champions in Action program.”

For more information about the Champions in Action program, visit www.citizensbank.com or www.TheWMURChannel.com.