Biddeford, Maine - Biddeford Savings handed out checks to eight different charities Friday morning, dividing the $3,519 in proceeds that Music on Main Street generated this summer.

Over the course of its six-year history, the series has raised almost $30,000 to help food banks, free medical clinics, social services agencies and arts organizations. This summer, there were four concerts on four consecutive Thursdays. Patrons who bought a $5 barbecue lunch effectively contributed to the charitable pool. The Old Fashioned Lobster Bake & BBQ Co.
(http://nedbakes.com) donated their time and labor, and all proceeds from the lunch sales went to those in need.

Checks were distributed Friday morning, at a brief ceremony, to the Stone Soup Food Pantry, Biddeford Free Clinic, The Maine Way, Community Partners, Community Bicycle Center, McArthur Library, City Theater, and Bon Appetit food pantry. Bank president and CEO Charles Petersen said the music is likely to return next summer for what would be the seventh consecutive year.

"Music on Main Street is now a signature event for the bank and its customers, and for downtown Biddeford," said Petersen. "Downtown development hinges on events like this, because it gives people a gathering place. It emphasizes the best things about a city's core.  The music's good, the food's good, and helping a few people who really need it is icing on the cake."

Biddeford Savings is an independent, mutual savings bank. It has four branch locations, Route 202 in Waterboro, 360 US Route One in Scarborough, 417 Alfred Street in Biddeford, and its main office at 254 Main Street in Biddeford. It also has a Commercial Banking Center at 234 Main Street, Biddeford. The bank's web address is: www.biddefordsavings.com.