Country Bank Announces Inaugural Recipient of the PFS Community Champion Award

Country Bank is proud to announce that Sarah Yurkunas, Assistant Vice President, Commercial Lender, has been named the first recipient of the PFS Community Champion Award. This newly established award honors an individual who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to volunteerism, both through Country Bank-sponsored initiatives and through personal dedication to causes that hold deep meaning for them.

Sarah was nominated by a colleague for her extraordinary volunteer service and was recognized for her unwavering compassion and commitment to Second Chance Animal Services. Since 2018, she has devoted more than 347 hours of personal volunteer time at the shelter, arriving every Sunday morning, even in the rain, snow, or on holidays, to clean kennels, feed, brush, and comfort animals in need. In addition, she has contributed over 70 hours volunteering at Country Bank sponsored community events since 2023.

As part of this recognition, and in honor of Country Bank’s former President and CEO, Paul Scully who retired in 2024, Sarah was able to direct a $2,000 donation to a charity of her choice. She selected Second Chance Animal Services, extending her impact even further.

“Sarah truly embodies the spirit of what this award represents,” said Jodie Gerulaitis, First Vice President of Community Relations at Country Bank. “Her tireless dedication to animals, as well as her willingness to step up at Country Bank events, showcases her selflessness, compassion, and commitment to making a difference. We are thrilled to celebrate her as our first Community Champion and look forward to recognizing many more employees in the years ahead.”

Sarah’s induction into the PFS Community Champions Hall of Fame marks the beginning of a new tradition at Country Bank. Each year, colleagues will be invited to nominate individuals who embody the values of Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence, and Prosperity, the core values of both the Bank and its employees.

“I am deeply grateful to receive this award, and immensely thankful to Country Bank and my colleagues for this recognition. I am truly honored to work for an organization with an unwavering commitment to community not only financially, but also in empowering team members to support local nonprofits through active volunteering. It is my greatest pleasure through this award to be able to donate to Second Chance Animal Services, an organization I have been dedicated to for many years and hold very dear to my heart,” said Sarah Yurkunas.