Manchester, NH-June 6, 2006-St. Mary's Bank was recently honored by the March of Dimes for contributing $25,000 over the past ten years to the fight against birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Credit union employees and members raised the money largely through their annual participation in WalkAmerica, the March of Dimes's largest fundraising event.

"St. Mary's Bank has been a steadfast community partner with the New Hampshire Chapter March of Dimes since 1996. To commemorate St. Mary's decade of support to the March of Dimes we presented the credit union with a plaque recognizing them for a decade of service," said Matt Lyman, March of Dimes Community Director. The plaque was presented in early April as employees prepared to kick off their eleventh year of participation in WalkAmerica.

"The March of Dimes has a great and meaningful mission, one that resonates with our employees and the communities we serve," said Ronald Rioux, St. Mary's Bank President and CEO. "We're proud to be a long-term supporter." Last year, St. Mary's Bank raised over $4,000 for WalkAmerica. Over the years, employees have also taken on leadership roles with WalkAmerica and other March of Dimes fundraising initiatives. They have served on the March of Dimes Signature Chef Auction committees, Biker's for Babies motorcycle ride committees and the Political Action committees.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com. The March of Dimes, New Hampshire Chapter is located at 22 Bridge Street in Concord and can be reached at 603.228.0317.