by Bob O’Shaughnessy
When Chelsea Groton Bank kicked off its 160th anniversary celebration last March, President and CEO Michael Rauh outlined the details of the celebration including the community gift, 160 Acts of Kindness. Through the 2014 Acts of Kindness initiative, Chelsea Groton financially supported over 200 causes, selected by each employee, in the amount of $160.00. For Jo-Ann Lewis, Head Teller of the Niantic Branch, the choice was easy – the Groton Animal Foundation in honor of “Gizmo”.
Gizmo, a Maltese dog, was one of five dogs seized by Town of Groton Animal Control (among other dogs), in a 2011 cruelty case. He required surgery, his fur was horribly matted and needed to be shaved, and nearly all of his teeth had to be pulled. The Groton Animal Foundation received donations to help defray the cost of his care and paid for everything else not covered. Gizmo was adopted by a loving couple, Carol and Paul Shinn of Groton. When the Shinns learned that a donation was made to the Groton Animal Foundation in Gizmo’s name they were beyond excited; “Gizmo can pay it forward so that other animals in need would receive the medical attention they deserve.” So on Monday, January 5th they packed up Gizmo and headed over to the Niantic Branch of Chelsea Groton to meet Jo-Ann and to thank her personally for her kindness.
When asked about why she chose the Groton Animal Foundation honoring Gizmo, Lewis responded, “My love of animals and fond memories of my own dog, also named Gizmo aka Gizzy was the driving force behind my decision. Gizzy, a Shih Tzu, was with me for 12 years, after years of failing health he passed away in 2009 peacefully at home. I thought this organization would benefit by paying it forward in Gizzy’s honor. I’m pleased to know there is help for so many animals in need.”