Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed Named Brighter Futures Award Recipient

Family Service of Rhode Island has announced that Rhode Island Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed is the recipient of the non-profit’s 2014 Brighter Futures Award. Family Service of Rhode Island presents the honor annually to an individual or organization making an outstanding contribution to the well-being of children.

The award will be presented Thursday, October 30, at a luncheon at the Rhode Island Convention Center that begins at 12 noon.

President Paiva Weed, of Newport, is the first Aquidneck Island resident to receive the recognition in its ten year history. Past recipients include Rhode Island Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist; Geoffrey Canada, president and CEO of the Harlem Children’s Zone; U. S. Senator Jack Reed; and the Boston Red Sox, the Red Sox Foundation and the Pawtucket Red Sox.

“These last few years have not been easy for state governments. Severe budgetary constraints have affected states across the country,” said Family Service of Rhode Island CEO Margaret Holland McDuff. “Through even the most difficult times, President Paiva Weed has acted as a true champion for Rhode Islanders in need, with a record of accomplishments that includes working for affordable housing, reforming the child welfare system, providing compensation to victims of violent crime and much more. President Paiva Weed embodies the kind of commitment to the community that will carry Rhode Island towards a brighter future for all.” She noted that Senator Paiva Weed, a state senator since 1992, in 2009 became the first woman to be elected president of the state senate in history.

“I am very humbled to receive this recognition from Family Service of Rhode Island,” said Senator Paiva Weed. “This award is made particularly special because of the high regard in which I hold the dedicated providers, educators and other professionals affiliated with the agency, and the many child and family service professionals throughout our state. They work tirelessly each day to meet the needs of families in the community, and they are effectively helping people live more full and independent lives. I am grateful to them for their compassion and dedication on behalf of Rhode Island families, and proud to support their mission.”

The Brighter Futures Luncheon takes place at the Rhode Island Convention Center on Thursday, October 30th at noon. Seats are available on-line at www.familyserviceri.org or by calling 401-519-2274. The luncheon, a critical fundraiser for nonprofit Family Service of Rhode Island, has become a signature event for the business community.

The presenting, Diamond, sponsor is Capitol Securities. Platinum sponsors include: Malcolm G. Chace, Jr.; the DeRamel Foundation, GTECH, and Hasbro, Inc. Gold sponsors include NBC 10; Deepwater Wind; Dimeo; Hinckley Allen. Silver sponsors include Bank of America; Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island; Cooley/Group; Cornerstone Group; Christopher and Heather Crosby; CVS Health; Delta Dental of Rhode Island; Foundry Associates; H. Carr & Sons, Inc.; KLR (Kahn, Litwin, Renza); Sara Shea McConnell; National Grid; Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island; New England Laborers’ Tri-Funds; Joseph R. Paolino, Jr.; and Residential Properties.

Family Service of Rhode Island is a statewide human service and education agency. More information is available at www.familyserviceri.org.

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