Citizens Bank events to benefit Audubon Society, RI Food Bank

In two separate events this weekend, Citizens Bank will be involved in projects to benefit the Audubon Society and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

Admission to the Environmental Education Center (EEC) of the Audubon Society of RI will be free courtesy of a grant from the bank’s foundation.

“The Citizens Bank Foundation is proud to offer this unique educational opportunity to all Rhode Islanders to enjoy a fun day with the family at Audubon’s beautiful facility in Bristol,” said Joseph J. MarcAurele, president and CEO of Citizens Bank of Rhode Island.

The Audubon Society’s EEC in Bristol, is Rhode Island’s largest aquarium, situated on the 28 acre Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge on Narragansett Bay. It is open year round, and features a life size model of a Right Whale, a brand new Harbor Seal display, marine and freshwater aquarium exhibits, tide pool tank, trails, a boardwalk to the Bay and gift shop.

“We are thrilled the Citizens Bank Foundation is offering free admission to the Environmental Education Center the first Saturday of every month,” said Lawrence Taft, Executive Director of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. “This unique center is one every Rhode Islander should experience and we thank the Citizens Bank Foundation for making it possible.”


Activities will include a crafts booth, a scavenger hunt, a tide pool exploration of sea creatures, a guided hike and an in-depth program on the horseshoe crab.

The $5.00 admission for adults and $3.00 admission for children will be waived the first Saturday of every month from July 2005 through June 2006. The EEC is open daily, 9:00 am-5:00 pm May through September.

Contact the ECC at (401) 245-7500 for more information.

Citizens will also take part in the “Battle of the Banks” softball tournament at Goddard Park in Warwick on Sunday at 10 am. to benefit the RI Community Food Bank.

In conjunction with the game, Citizens is hosting a food drive in their RI operations centers.

The Citizens Bank Foundation is the principal charitable contributions vehicle of Citizens Financial Group, Citizens Bank and Charter One Bank, N.A. The foundation’s support is focused on housing, community development and basic human needs. Citizens’ Web site is citizensbank.com.