 |
|
|
On June 12, 2009 Rhode Island business leaders, public officials and champions for children gathered together for the Children’s Friend 175 Years of Smiles Celebration event at the Providence Biltmore. The event was a great success with over 250 in attendance. Guests enjoyed food, refreshments, music, and over 70 silent & live auctions items. The event also premiered A Rich Blessing to the Community, a documentary on the history of child welfare in Rhode Island told by Children’s Friend. Much thanks is given to r.j. LaChance Advertising who produced the film examining the beginning of child welfare in Rhode Island from 1834 to its present day workings. Dorothy Andrews, a 93 year old former Children’s Friend foster child and resident of the Tobey Street home, was also in attendance. She was featured in the film and received an overwhelming response for symbolizing the impact that Children’s Friend has had in the lives of many children over the years.
All of the funds raised from the event will be used to help establish a much needed therapeutic child care facility at our Central Falls Family Support Center. Many young children are refused admittance to much-needed child care because they have complex and problematic needs. Without such care, a parent is unable to work a full schedule, if at all, and a very vulnerable child’s needs go unmet. The money raised will outfit the facility to state specifications, train staff, and pay for operations until the program is eligible for third party support. Children’s Friend would like to express much gratitude to the 175th Anniversary Honorary Committee; The Honorable Scott Avedisian, Nick, Ron & Pete Cardi, Stephanie D. Chafee, Lisa G. Churchville, The Honorable David N. Cicilline, Robert A. DiMuccio, Thomas F. Gilbane, Jr., Rabbi Leslie Y. Gutterman, Juana Horton, The Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy, The Honorable James R. Langevin, Anthony Maione, Joseph J. MarcAurele, Patricia Martinez, Bernard G. Mondor, The Honorable John A. Mutter, John J. Partridge, Esq., James E. Purcell, The Honorable Jack Reed, Pablo Rodriguez, M.D., Merrill W. Sherman, John C. Warren, The Honorable Sheldon Whitehouse, and The Right Reverend Geralyn Wolf and the 175th Steering Committee; Alfred K. Potter, II, Co-Chair, Mary Cram, Co-Chair, William J. Allen, David Caprio, Julie Casimiro, Nicholas Costa, John D. Cregan, Gina L. DiSpirito, Doris Stearn Donovan, Rosemary M. Dwyer, Sandra Enos, Ph.D., Bryan W. Ferguson, Eva C. Hulse-Avila, Nancy LaChance, Joseph P. Moran, III, Eduardo E. Naya, Carl R. Neal, Richard Schwartz, Bahjat Shariff, and Laurie White. Celebrating 175 Years of Smiles Photo Gallery "A Rich Blessing to the Community"Documentary Film Special thanks to our 175th Anniversary Partners:
|
