For Point Pleasant branch of Kearny Bank, community service just comes naturally
March 26, 2024
POINT PLEASANT, NJ (March 26, 2024) – Giving back to the local community is a longstanding tradition for Kearny Bank – and it’s one Point Pleasant branch Assistant Vice President / Retail Relationship Manager Audra Burghard embraces with enthusiasm.
“When members of our community need help, we step in,” says Burghard, who has managed the Point Pleasant branch for the past eight years. “It’s important to be visible, to be seen doing things. We really believe in the residents and businesses in this area, and we’re eager to help them. We want to see them thrive.”
Burghard is the senior member of a six-person team at the Point Pleasant branch that often brainstorms together about different ways to provide community support.
“We tend to all have ideas – everyone likes to jump in with suggestions,” she explains. “We’re committed to being ‘good neighbors.’”
As was the case with most places, the COVID pandemic was a difficult time in Point Pleasant and throughout Ocean County. Burghard and her team worked hard to provide as much support as possible.
“It was essential to stay involved and connected during the pandemic,” says Burghard. “That wasn’t always easy, but with local support we were able to raise funds for our first responders, to at least help them continue with their vital work.”
For 2024, Kearny Bank’s Point Pleasant branch selected “The Year of Giving” as its unifying theme. The bank is making information about donating to charitable organizations readily available within its 2201 Bridge Avenue location.
“People around here know all the things our branch does,” Burghard says. “This year, we’re looking into some new efforts – what I’d call some ‘passion projects.’ In particular, I’m thinking about reaching out to veterans and seniors. There’s no shortage of need.”
Among the many organizations the Kearny Bank Point Pleasant branch regularly contributes to is the American Cancer Society. That group’s Senior Development Manager, Stacy Neglio, appreciates the support.
“Our organization relies on contributions large and small, and it’s reassuring to know we can count on Kearny Bank,” Neglio says. “Audra and her team are amazing in how committed they are to making their corner of the world a better place.”
In addition to the American Cancer Society, the Point Pleasant branch contributes to dozens of organizations. Highlights include the Children’s Specialized Hospital, Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter, Point Pleasant Borough, Bayshore Medical Center, A Moment to Smile, Dottie’s House, Saltwater Warriors, and the Point Pleasant Beach Chamber of Commerce.
“One of the things we all talk about regularly is giving selflessly – you know, when you give to someone who’ll never be able to do something in return,” Burghard notes. “In cases like that, I find it the help you provide instills in you a sort of inner peace. It’s wonderful.”
About Kearny Bank
Combining the finest traditions of community banking with the industry’s latest, most effective financial products and services, Kearny Bank provides business and personal clients with the tools for success. Established back in 1884, and now operating from corporate offices in Fairfield, NJ, Kearny Bank’s footprint covers most of New Jersey, along with Brooklyn and Staten Island. Additional information is available at kearnybank.com or by visiting Kearny Bank’s social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube.