On Monday evening, Dec. 5, the wait staff and bartenders at T-BONES Great American Eatery in Hudson collected all their tips to purchase much-needed items for area youth that will be provided to the Salvation Army for holiday distribution. Their donation was part of Hudson T-BONES' annual Tips for Toys fundraiser and totaled $7,422.

Tom Boucher, owner/CEO of Great NH Restaurants, was so impressed by the efforts of Hudson T-BONES staff; he announced that the owners would add $5,000 to the amount so generously donated by the wait staff. That brings the total donation to $12,422, representing one of the largest local donations to the Salvation Army.

"I can't be more proud of our staff in Hudson for taking part in this fundraiser," Boucher said. "And our guests are just phenomenal. Each year, they generously give more and more to help out our community. This is truly what the holiday season is all about."

This unique fundraiser was started by the employees some 15 years ago, and it has become an annual event. This is now a holiday tradition not only for the staff, but for many of the loyal T-BONES customers that plan to dine on that day and give generously in order to help those in need. The staff not only donates all their tips, but also plans a shopping trip to purchase all of the clothing and toys for local children up to age 18.

The Hudson T-BONES location is at 77 Lowell Road. For more information about Tips for Toys, call the Hudson restaurant at (603) 882-6677. Visit the restaurant online at www.T-BONES.com

St. Mary's Bank recently donated $15,000 to the YMCA of Greater Londonderry in support of the Y's capital campaign to build the town's first outdoor community swimming pool and state-of-the-art recreation facility.

"The YMCA of Greater Londonderry is so grateful for this major gift from St. Mary's Bank," said Hal Jordan, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Manchester. "Establishing a community-wide pool has been a goal of ours for years, and with the help of generous donors like St. Mary's, we are thrilled to be well on our way to seeing it happen. In addition to rounding out our day camp, the new pool will enable us to offer Londonderry children, families and seniors public swim times, summer swimming lessons, safety and rescue classes, aquatic fitness classes and so much more."

The total capital campaign project, which also includes a ball field complex, ropes course, covered outdoor activities pavilion and basketball court, is expected to be completed by the spring or summer of 2012. The aquatics area will include a new six-lane, heated pool, a shallow-depth teaching pool for young children, changing areas and bathrooms.

"We're pleased to help the YMCA of Greater Londonderry achieve its goal of offering an aquatics complex that benefits the whole community," said Ronald H. Covey, Jr., St. Mary's Bank President and CEO. "We support the YMCA's dedication to giving people of all ages the opportunity to achieve an active and healthy lifestyle."

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St. Mary's Bank ALSO announced it recently donated $2,900 to the Manchester Historic Association (MHA), an organization that collects preserves and shares the history of Manchester, New Hampshire. The funds will be used to purchase a new computer for MHA's education department as well as the hardware necessary to provide security for critical data.

"MHA plays an important role in fostering the education of the Greater Manchester community on the city's unique heritage," said Tom Champagne, Director of Community Outreach at St. Mary's Bank. "St. Mary's is pleased to continue to provide assistance to this great organization as it expands its programs and services."

MHA's education department is responsible for school and public programs, educational outreach and assisting with exhibits. The new workstation will include up-to-date software, connections to MHA's network and e-mail system, a flat screen for graphics and other necessary improvements. The computer will be used primarily by interns and volunteers, who work closely with the staff and are vital for maintaining MHA's programs.

"This much-needed equipment will allow us to better meet our mission to protect, display and promote Manchester's wonderful history," said Aurore Eaton, MHA Executive Director. "St. Mary's Bank has often provided much-needed donations to MHA for various programs and upgrades to help keep our operations running smoothly, and we appreciate this latest gift, which allows us to continue our efforts to educate the community on Manchester's diverse and rich culture." 

Founded in Manchester, New Hampshire in 1908, St. Mary's Bank is the nation's first credit union.  As a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union, St. Mary's Bank makes progressive financial products and services available and affordable to consumers and businesses. Members enjoy excellent service, competitive rates, low fees and state-of-the-art banking services.  Headquartered in Manchester, New Hampshire, St. Mary's Bank has branches in Manchester, Hudson, Londonderry, Milford and Nashua. Call 1-888-786-2791 or visit www.stmarysbank.com for more information.

Starting and operating a business can be exciting and invigorating, but it can also be overwhelming.  The NH Corporate Division of SBA is offering FREE consulations on January 12th (10:00AM - 11:30AM), 19th (2:00PM- 3:30PM), and 26th  (1:30PM - 2:30PM) at NH Secretary of State Corporate Division, 25 Capitol Street, 3rd Floor in Concord, NH.  No appointment is necessary. 

Knowledge and planning are key ingredients in starting or growing a business and the SBA has resources available to you.  A Business Development Specialist from the US Small Business Administration, will be available to meet one-on-one and provide busienss assistance to address your concerns, direct you to the appropriate resources and help you get started in the right direction. 

For more information contact Miguel Moralez, Business Development Specialist, in SBA's Concord, NH office at (60) 225-1601 or via email at miguel.moralez@sba.gov.  For more infromation visit www.sba.gov/nh.