First National Bank, in partnership with Chloe’s Café and Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, is proud to announce the success of the inaugural Dream First Community Cup, a month-long initiative supporting local families and strengthening connections across the community.
Throughout March, 10% of every regular coffee purchased at Chloe’s Café was donated to Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, with First National Bank providing a matching contribution. Together, the effort generated a total of $1,090.10, equating to more than 3,000 pounds of food, or approximately 3,185 pounds of rice, helping support food security for families in the Ellsworth area.
“The Dream First Community Cup showed what’s possible when a community rallies around a simple idea,” said Tony McKim, President and CEO of First National Bank. “Together, we turned everyday moments into meaningful impact, strengthening food security and supporting families right here in our community.”
The Dream First Community Cup campaign was supported by a coordinated marketing effort including local radio, digital and social media outreach, in-branch promotion, and regional news coverage, amplifying awareness and encouraging participation across Hancock County.
“We saw firsthand how much this community cares,” said Gabrielle Conners, owner of Chloe’s Café. “What started as a simple cup of coffee became something much bigger, neighbors showing up for one another in a real way.”
Funds raised will directly benefit Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, helping provide essential resources that enhance access to reliable and nutritious food throughout the community.
“Partnerships like this make a real difference for the families we serve,” shared Max Dietshe, Vice President of Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry. “This support helps ensure we can continue providing consistent, reliable access to food for our neighbors and strengthens food security across our community.”
The Dream First Community Cup is part of First National Bank’s broader Dream First Community initiative, which brings together local businesses, non-profits, and community members to strengthen food security, support local schools, and keep dollars working within the communities they serve.
About First National Bank
First National Bank, a subsidiary of The First Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FNLC) is an independent community bank with 18 offices in Lincoln, Knox, Waldo, Hancock, Washington and Penobscot Counties. For more information about First National Bank, please call 1-800-564-3195 or visit www.thefirst.com.
About Chloe’s Café
Chloe’s Café is a locally owned breakfast and lunch café located at 30 Water Street in Ellsworth. It is open Monday-Friday: 7am-2pm, Saturday: 8am-12pm. Online ordering is also available. Find them on Facebook.
About Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry
Loaves & Fishes is Hancock County’s largest food pantry, serving neighbors in need from their community hub at 137 Downeast Highway in Ellsworth. In 2025, the pantry provided 600+ tons of food to 2,146 local families, whose members made 19,318 shopping trips to the pantry.
Learn more: http://www.loavesandfishesellsworth.org