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BRIDGEVIEW BANK GROUP INVESTS $520,000 TO SUPPORT SENIOR HOUSING CRIME PREVENTION FOUNDATION PROGRAMS; LAUNCHES I-GO TRANSPORTAION SERVICE CHICAGO, May 2, 2006 – Bridgeview Bank Group today announced it has invested $520,000 to support initiatives administered by the Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation (SHCPF), which operates successful crime prevention programs for nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. The investment, part of Bridgeview Bank’s Banking on the Community initiative, will support SHCPF’s Senior Crimestopper program at the Selfhelp Home of Chicago, located in the city’s Uptown community. The presentation of the investment was made at a ceremony at the Selfhelp Home and was attended by residents and staff of the Home, as well as representatives from the Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation and Bridgeview Bank. “Our investment in the Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation helps area seniors gain a greater sense of security, by helping to address crime before it happens,” said Suellen Long, president of Bridgeview Bank Uptown. “Seniors are a vulnerable group when it comes to crime. Bridgeview Bank views its partnership with the Foundation an opportunity to positively impact the daily lives of seniors residing in the Selfhelp Home, as well as participate in an initiative important to the Uptown community.” The Senior Crimestoppers program provides benefits such as access to personal lock boxes for residents, ongoing education for residents, staff and family, and a confidential, 24-hour 800-number “Tip Line”, offering substantial cash rewards for residents who report information about incidents that have occurred in, or around, the facility. Since 1995, the Senior Crimestoppers program has reduced crime against seniors by more than 90 percent nationally. “The primary goal of the Foundation is to provide safe secure living environments for individuals residing in senior communities,” said Donna Derryberry, vice president of the Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation. “That objective can only be met through the support of area businesses. We sincerely thank Bridgeview Bank for their leadership in this area and its generous support of this initiative.” Hedy Ciocci, administrator of the Selfhelp Home, echoed the Foundation’s remarks, adding, “We pride ourselves on the high quality and secure living facility we offer our residents. The Crimestoppers program supported by Bridgeview Bank helps to underscore our commitment to maintaining our high standards in this area.” Bridgeview Bank Uptown Also Announces Relationship with I-GO “We are excited to partner with I-GO and offer residents of Uptown a convenient and affordable transportation alternative,” said Suellen Long, president of Bridgeview Bank Uptown. “Bridgeview Bank strives to provide all of the communities which we serve with value-added services that result in an overall better banking experience for our customers.” I-GO, a membership based not for profit organization, offers 24-hour access to a fleet of more than 60 cars that are conveniently located in reserved parking in neighborhoods throughout Chicago, Evanston and Oak Park. Individuals and businesses can reserve vehicles and pay only for the hours and miles they drive. Modeled after highly successful European car sharing organizations that were established more than 15 years ago, car sharing is now available in major cities across the United States, with more than 30,000 members participating nationally. “Working with Bridgeview Bank Uptown provides us with a wonderful opportunity to expand our service,” said Rich Kosmacher, Sales and Marketing Manager for I-GO. “Bridgeview’s Uptown branch provides a central and secure location for area residents to access our vehicle to use for any of their transportation needs.” About Selfhelp Home of Chicago About Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation About I-GO About Bridgeview Bank Group # # # |
