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WORCESTER — The WooSox Foundation recognized Jodie Gerulaitis, first vice president of Community Relations at Country Bank, during its recent Fourth Annual WooSox Foundation Honors Gala. She was honored for her outstanding contributions to the community, particularly in advancing education across Central and Western Massachusetts.

Although Gerulaitis was traveling internationally at the time of the event, her parents proudly accepted the award on her behalf, while she joined the celebration virtually.

In her role at Country Bank, Jodie leads the bank’s community relations and financial literacy initiatives, delivering education programs that empower children with essential money management skills. She also spearheads Country Bank’s partnership with the WooSox Foundation Most Valuable Teacher program, an initiative that celebrates and elevates educators who make a meaningful difference in students’ lives throughout the region.

“Jodie’s passion for education and her commitment to recognizing the true MVPs in our communities, our teachers, reflect the very heart of what this award represents,” said Dr. Charles Steinberg of the WooSox. “Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom and continues to strengthen our region for generations to come.”

Daily News

WARE — Country Bank and the WooSox Foundation recently announced the 2025 WooStars, a program that supports nonprofit leaders throughout the region.

Country Bank and the Worcester Red Sox recently recognized five local WooStars and the nonprofits they are affiliated with at Polar Park. They include Joe Firmani of Operation Service, Anthony Bizzotto of Revive of the USA Inc., Robert Alves of Wicked in Pink, Donna Marratta of Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and Pantry Inc., and Tom Slicklen of Provision Ministry. Each nonprofit was presented with a $5,000 donation.

The WooStars program allows community members to nominate outstanding individuals to recognize their contributions to the communities they serve and to contribute to the nonprofits they support. Now in its fifth year, this program has recognized 41 WooStars, providing $205,000 in donations.

“We are proud to stand behind these community leaders who are making a significant impact,” said Jodie Gerulaitis, first vice president of Community Relations at Country Bank.

In attendance were Mary McGovern, president and CEO of Country Bank, along with members of the board of trustees, the senior leadership team, and James Phaneuf, chairman of the board. Their presence emphasized the bank’s continued commitment to supporting local leaders and celebrating the meaningful difference they make in local communities.

“Country Bank continues to be a relentless purveyor of goodwill in our community,” said Dr. Charles Steinberg, president of the Worcester Red Sox and the WooSox Foundation. “We thank our partners for scouting, finding, and introducing these terrific WooStars.”