View the luncheon photo gallery!

On Monday, October 5 Children’s Friend hosted its 7th Annual Investing in Our Children Luncheonat the Rhode Island Convention Center.

Early in the morning, Children’s Friend held a Town Hall meeting to discuss the approaching methamphetamine crisis. In January 2008, the Project Connect program at Children’s Friend was awarded $2.5 million dollars from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to take pre-emptive measures to prevent and educate about parental substance abuse issues including the impending methamphetamine crisis. The impact methamphetamine has on children and their families has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. While there have been isolated cases in Rhode Island, Children’s Friend believes it is imperative that we bring our community leaders together to prepare for its anticipated escalation in our state as it moves its way from California towards the East Coast. As a leader in advocating about this issue in Rhode Island, Children’s Friend hosted a Town Hall meeting to ensure that Rhode Island is prepared to handle methamphetamine occurrences while keeping the children of our state safe. First responders, mental health professionals, and other social service organizations attended the Town Hall meeting and spoke on this topic.

After the Town Hall meeting, business leaders, public officials, and champions for children throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts gathered for the annual Investing In Our Children Luncheon.

Thomas E. Walsh, Jr., Government Relations Manager, GTECH, and Luncheon Co-Chair, provided opening remarks before Patrice Wood of NBC 10 announced the luncheon speakers.

Dean Klitzner, a foster parent at Children’s Friend, discussed a heartfelt story about the joys of being a foster parent.

Christine James-Brown, President and CEO, Child Welfare League of America provided the keynote address.  Throughout her career, Ms. James-Brown has worked tirelessly to help nonprofit health and human service organizations grow and expand their ability to serve children and families.

Dorothy Andrews, a 93 year old former Children’s Friend foster child and resident of the Tobey Street home in 1923, was also in attendance. A special short film featuring Ms. Andrews was shown and it received an overwhelmingly positive response. Ms. Andrews symbolizes the impact that Children’s Friend has had in the lives of many children over the years. Carl R. Neal, Board President, presented Ms. Andrews with flowers and a hug.

Last year’s honoree Cate Roberts, Director of Diversity and Community Affairs for Textron Inc., presented the Friend of Children Award to Thomas F. Gilbane, Jr., President and CEO of Gilbane Inc., and CEO of Gilbane Building Company. Gilbane is dedicated to investing back into the community and is compelled to support institutions that improve the well-being of families by increasing opportunities for children to become future leaders.

A long-time financial partner of Children’s Friend, Gilbane has been a regular sponsor of Investing In Our Children Luncheon, and has assisted with the behind-the-scenes support of audio-visual presentations at past luncheon events. Gilbane was a corporate supporter of the Building Blocks to the Future Capital Campaign that enabled the construction of the Children’s Friend Central Falls Family Support Center.

During Children’s Friend 175th anniversary, Gilbane increased financial support and the agency was honored to have Chairman & CEO, Thomas F. Gilbane, Jr. serve on the Honorary Committee, and Senior Vice President, Alfred K. Potter II provide leadership as Co-Chair of the 175th Anniversary Steering Committee.

As another Investing In Our Children Luncheon came to an end, Children’s Friend is grateful for all of those who attended and sponsored this year’s luncheon. It is their commitment to Children’s Friend that has improved the well-being of families in Rhode Island.