Chelsea State Bank and Employees Donate to Grass Lake Senior Center

Chelsea State Bank’s President & CEO, Joanne Rau and employees join Grass Lake Senior Center’s Executive Director, Annie Lavergne and members to accept Chelsea State Bank’s Donation to the Grass Lake Senior Center.

Chelsea State Bank donated $1,932 to the Grass Lake Senior Center on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.  The dollars raised for this donation came from Chelsea State Bank (CSB) employees and a bank match as part of their ongoing Blue Jean for Charity Fund.

Over 10 years ago, Chelsea State Bank employees kicked off their Blue Jeans for Charity fund to raise money for local charities. Employees donate $3 per person weekly, allowing them to wear jeans to work on Fridays.  Chelsea State Bank then matches the employee donations for the selected non-profit agency. 

“Grass Lake Senior Center graciously welcomed our team earlier this year to facilitate a group conversation about fraud awareness and elder financial exploitation,” said Joanne Rau, President and CEO, Chelsea State Bank. “Following the community-focused financial literacy session, one of our team members returned to the bank and immediately nominated the Grass Lake Senior Center for the Blue Jean Fund, because they saw first-hand the immense impact the center is having on its members and the community.” 

“One of our goals is to keep our seniors ‘aging in place’ – in their homes and in their community,” said Annie Lavergne, Executive Director, Grass Lake Senior Center. “Offering activities that keep them physically active and mentally engaged is one part of it. Keeping them safe and knowledgeable about current financial, health, and legal issues is another. Partnerships with individuals and organizations like Chelsea State Bank help to provide the latest information in ways for our seniors to understand it, remember it, and or know the resource they can turn to when needed.”