Upstate New York Area Gets Big Boost for Mentoring

BUFFALO, N.Y., Feb. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- First Niagara announced that 45 Upstate New York organizations will receive a total of $500,000 to support mentoring ventures as part of the bank's fourth annual Mentoring Matters(SM) program. This was alongside the announcement of the four Upstate New York winners of First Niagara's first-ever student mentoring essay contest.

Mentoring Matters is First Niagara's charitable giving program that provides critical funding and volunteer support for mentoring efforts conducted throughout Upstate New York. To date, the program has donated a total of $2 million to more than 175 organized mentoring programs in Upstate New York, positively impacting more than 15,000 youth.

First Niagara's student essay contest winners were introduced during four separate news conferences held at their respective schools where they shared their personal outlooks and experiences regarding the importance of mentoring. Each student was awarded a $500 savings bond, $5,000 for his/her school, and will be featured in a national advertisement that First Niagara is producing.

"National, regional and local studies have proven that mentoring has a tremendous impact on the future of young adults including academic, social, emotional, professional and cognitive development," said John R. Koelmel, president and CEO, First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. "Through Mentoring Matters we are able to make a real difference in the lives of tomorrow's leaders."

About First Niagara Financial Group

First Niagara Financial Group, Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Niagara Bank, N.A., has $21 billion in assets, 256 branches and $13 billion in deposits. First Niagara Bank, N.A. is a multi-state community-oriented bank providing financial services to individuals, families and businesses. Upon completion of its pending merger with NewAlliance Bancorp, Inc. -- subject to customary closing conditions including approvals from regulators -- First Niagara will have more than $29 billion in assets, $18 billion in deposits and 340 branches across Upstate New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.fnfg.com.

SOURCE First Niagara Financial Group, Inc.