The Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank has established a charitable foundation in honor of former bank president Richard “Richie” A. Eaton to support and promote physical education and athletic programs for area students. The Richard A. Eaton Charitable Foundation was unveiled during Eaton’s retirement celebration on May 24. The foundation, which has been established with a lead gift of $400,000 from the bank, will provide direct financial support to public and private schools and charitable organizations for their physical education and athletic programs, including underwriting user fees for student participation. The foundation may also help with the maintenance, repair, and improvement of athletic fields and facilities, or provide needed supplies, equipment, and uniforms. Eaton, whose advocacy on behalf of Newburyport’s students, young athletes, and public schools has spanned five decades, has coached more than 70 baseball teams in the Pioneer League, Little League, and Senior League. He also has served as an officer in those leagues for 40 years, and was treasurer of the Newburyport Youth Football League for 20 years. To donate to the foundation, send checks made payable to the Richard A. Eaton Charitable Foundation at 63 State St., Newburyport, 01950.