SKOWHEGAN, Maine - Skowhegan Savings Bank announced today that it would award $4,500 to the Lakewood Theater, established in 1901 and situated on Lake Wesserunsett in Madison, Maine. One the oldest and most famous summer theaters in America, the Lakewood Theater was home to a well-known summer colony and was a proven "testing stage" for theater productions hoping to make it on Broadway. Now in its 114th season, Lakewood remains a vibrant summer theater offering musicals, comedies, dramas, and children's shows from late-May through mid-September.

The gift from Skowhegan Savings Bank represents the 10th consecutive year the Bank has provided lead underwriting support for the theater. The award represents one in a series of gifts to be made by Skowhegan Savings Bank in 2014 to area nonprofits.

"The Lakewood Theater offers a deep bow of appreciation to Skowhegan Savings Bank," said Madeline Snow, Lakewood Theater Office Manager. "Ticket sales alone cannot cover the costs of maintaining our aged buildings, our beautiful costumes, and the quality performances that make up the grand legacy of Lakewood. In fact, upkeep at a historic place like Lakewood - where cracked ceilings, old floorboards and roof repairs are the norm - is unyielding," says Snow. "Lakewood relies on financial partners like Skowhegan Savings to keep the lights on and the curtain rising each summer."

John Witherspoon, President and CEO of Skowhegan Savings, said the gift is one of several awards that will be made this year to organizations and programs throughout the Bank's region. "Community institutions like The Lakewood Theater are a perfect example of projects we like to support," said Witherspoon. "We value what Lakewood does each year to bring high-quality theater to the residents and visitors of Somerset County. We make it a practice each year to honor nonprofit organizations working to strengthen and enhance our communities and our neighborhoods."

Lakewood Theater is already advertising its 2014 program including one drama, three farces, two comedies, and three musicals. Show times are: Thursday through Saturday at 8 pm; every other Sunday at 4 pm; every other Wednesday at 2 pm & 7 pm. To learn more, visit:  www.lakewoodtheater.org or call: 207-474-7176

Skowhegan Savings' charitable giving program makes donations to both large and small local non-profit and charitable organizations, with a focus on financial literacy programs and Economic and Community Development, including programs that promote job creation, business retention, business growth, and community enhancement. To apply for funding, visit: SkowheganSavings.com/about-charity.htm.

Jeffrey Quinn, Lakewood Theater General Manager; Matthew Quinn, Lakewood Theatre Technical Director; John Witherspoon, Skowhegan Savings President & CEO