Jackson Laboratory Announces $50,000 Banknorth Charitable Foundation Gift

Date: November 25, 2003

BAR HARBOR -- The Jackson Laboratory has announced a $50,000 gift donated by Peoples Heritage Bank and Morse, Payson and Noyes Insurance through the Banknorth Charitable Foundation. This gift will help the genetics research institute to construct new facilities and expand its human disease research programs.

In accepting the award, Jackson Laboratory Director Dr. Richard Woychik stated, "The Jackson Laboratory deeply appreciates the investment in Maine people that this gift represents. We are proud to partner with Peoples Heritage Bank and Morse, Payson and Noyes in our mission to improve human health."

On August 16, The Jackson Laboratory began the public phase of its 5-year, $85 million capital campaign, of which $48 million--including the Banknorth gift--is already pledged or in hand. Of the funds raised, $60 million will support construction of new buildings, and the remaining $25 million will help increase endowment funding for long-term initiatives, and to upgrade methods for providing genetic resources and data to the worldwide scientific community.

William J. Ryan, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Banknorth Group, commented, "It has been exciting to watch the progress that The Jackson Laboratory has made in recent years. They have grown substantially, and their research has played a critical role in the discovery of new treatments for cancer, heart disease, diabetes and many other health problems. We appreciate the opportunity to support a worthy Maine institution like The Jackson Laboratory."

David Ott, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer of Banknorth Group, Inc., added: "It's a privilege for us to support The Jackson Laboratory in their research expansion. As Maine's biotechnology sector grows in size and economic impact, we are working to ensure the maximum benefit for Maine people." Banknorth  has offices in Bangor, Lewiston and Portland.

Contact(s): Joyce Peterson, The Jackson Laboratory,  207-288-6051

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Media Relations, Communications Office
The Jackson Laboratory
600 Main Street
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609-1500
Phone: 207-288-6051
Fax: 207-288-6076
Email: news@jax.org