Bally's Lincoln

Women's Fund of Rhode Island Celebrates 25 Years and&nbsp;Announces 2026 Women Leading Change HonoreesPROVIDENCE, RI — On September 23, Women’s Fund of Rhode Island&nbsp;(WFRI) will be hosting its annual Women Leading Change (WLC) Celebration, their premier&nbsp;event celebrating leaders in gender equity in Rhode Island. This year, the organization is also&nbsp;celebrating their 25th anniversary and the advancements it has accomplished since 2001.&nbsp;The&nbsp;WFRI staff and board invite all to attend WLC at Bally’s Twin River, Lincoln on September 23&nbsp;from 5:00-8:00 pm. Tickets cost $175 and include a sit-down dinner.&nbsp;WLC is an opportunity to recognize and honor local community leaders for outstanding work in&nbsp;gender equity. The recipients of this year's awards will be:● Amy Romero, who will receive the Simone Joyaux Leadership Award, named after&nbsp;WFRI’s founder and given to a person who has made outstanding contributions through&nbsp;their leadership in community service to help make Rhode Island a state free of gender&nbsp;bias and where social justice exists for all. A graduate of Providence Public Schools,&nbsp;Amy Romero is Chief Legal Counsel for the Lawyers’ Committee for Rhode Island,&nbsp;where she leads efforts to provide pro bono legal support to individuals and nonprofits&nbsp;across the state. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of public interest and&nbsp;public service roles, including Assistant United States Attorney for Rhode Island, legal&nbsp;services attorney, and domestic violence advocate. She is currently a Visiting Fellow at&nbsp;Northeastern Law’s Center for Public Interest Advocacy and Collaboration.● Representative Julie Casimiro will receive the Susan Farmer Advocacy Award, named&nbsp;after Rhode Island’s first female, statewide office-holder (Secretary of State in 1983). It&nbsp;recognizes Susan’s legacy of public policy and advocacy to advance women’s&nbsp;participation, representation, and leadership in government and public policy. Since her&nbsp;election to the Rhode Island House of Representatives in 2016, Representative Julie&nbsp;Casimiro has been a strong advocate for children, families, and communities across thstate. Through her leadership and legislative work, she has helped advance policies that&nbsp;improve the lives of Rhode Islanders.● Beverly Wiley will receive the first ever Community Impact Award, which will be named&nbsp;in her honor in following years. This award recognizes an individual who has&nbsp;demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the mission of the Women's Fund of&nbsp;Rhode Island through volunteerism, leadership, and service. Honorees embody the spirit&nbsp;of community, generously giving their time, talent, and voice to advance gender equity&nbsp;and create meaningful impact across Rhode Island. A lifelong RI resident and champion&nbsp;for gender equity, Beverly Wiley has spent decades breaking barriers for women in sports&nbsp;and community leadership.WFRI CEO, Kelly Nevins, says, “In a moment when many hard-won rights and protections are&nbsp;being questioned, the 2026 Women Leading Change honorees remind us that progress depends&nbsp;on bold leadership. Their efforts to uphold democratic principles, safeguard families, and&nbsp;advance civil rights reflect the resilience and courage that have always fueled social change.”The emcees of this event will be Doreen Collins and Amy Pontes, and local entertainment will&nbsp;include music by The Persisters and live art from Ten31 Suffragettes. WLC also offers high-end&nbsp;raffle and door prize drawings, networking opportunities, and the chance to learn about work&nbsp;towards gender equity in Rhode Island. To date, the event has over 250 attendees and has drawn&nbsp;many generous sponsorships.Among the many include:● At the $15,000 Equity Partner Level: Landmark Medical Center● At the $10,000 Champion Level: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island● At the $5,000 Visionary Level: Brightstar Lottery, Cox Communications, Navigant Credit&nbsp;Union, The Rise Group, Inc., Tori Lynn Andreozzi Foundation, and USI Insurance&nbsp;Services● At the $2,500 Ally Level: Bally’s Lincoln, BankNewport, Cameron &amp; Mittleman, Citrin&nbsp;Cooperman, City of Pawtucket, E. Turgeon Construction Corporation, Hinckley Allen,&nbsp;Midland Residence, Robinson + Cole, Partridge Snow &amp; Hahn LLP, Susan Killenberg,&nbsp;and WithumWFRI welcomes everyone interested in leveling the playing field for women and girls in RI to&nbsp;this exciting celebration. Tickets are available for purchase now. For anyone interested insponsoring this event or donating in-kind gifts to be used for raffles, please contact Deb Honor at&nbsp;dhonor@wfri.org.

Local Event: Women Leading Change

Providence County

Woonsocket

Rhode Island

Women Leading Change

Women's Fund of Rhode Island Celebrates 25 Years and Announces 2026 Women Leading Change HonoreesPROVIDENCE, RI — On September...

Woonsocket Elks Lodge #850

Are you looking for that perfect one-of-a-kind treasure?&nbsp; Something handmade, local, and truly special?&nbsp; Then get ready for our Fall Arts &amp;&nbsp;Crafts Show!&nbsp; Join us for a spectacular celebration of local talent.We've got over 30 vendors featuring unique items you won't find anywhere else.

Local Event: Fall Arts & Crafts Show

Fall Arts & Crafts Show

Are you looking for that perfect one-of-a-kind treasure?  Something handmade, local, and truly special?  Then get ready for our...

Track 15

Elizabeth Cunha saw the charitable landscape and wanted to find a different way of getting the message across.&nbsp;&nbsp;She appears to have found that vehicle.&nbsp;The Executive Director of The Center for Dynamic Learning in South Providence has devised a month-long event devoted to raising funds for seven non-profit organizations (including hers) who may not otherwise get the notoriety of the larger charities.&nbsp;Called, “Lights on, Plates Full,” the initiative will pair seven restaurants located in Track 15 in Downtown Providence with seven nonprofits. Each chef will create a signature dish for patrons to order. $1 from each signature dish order will be donated to its charitable partner. The event runs from October 1-31. Other events are being planned throughout that month.The seven non-profit organizations and the restaurants that are partnering with them are:&nbsp;Center for Dynamic Learning: Dolores&nbsp;&nbsp;The Academy Players of Rhode Island: Dune Brothers. The Academy Players of RI Arts Education Program stands as a cornerstone of its mission and a true source of pride, offering a rich and inclusive array of learning opportunities for participants of all ages and experience levels.&nbsp;Trades Up Initiative: There There. Founded in 2023, TradesUp Initiative was created to address the growing workforce gap in the construction and skilled trades industries while expanding access to sustainable career pathways for underserved and marginalized youth.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Empowerment Factory: Yagi PVD. The Empowerment Factory (TEF) is dedicated to giving children the skills they need to lead happier, healthier, more empowered lives.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pray for Peace: Tolia. With a mission to better prepare student-athletes for the highest level of competition. We offer tournaments and camps where will players don’t just play games. Every event they host is an opportunity to teach, break down the game for players, share knowledge and experiences. Since starting in 2015 they have expanded their events in eight states.&nbsp;&nbsp;Providence Promise: Little Chaska. Providence Promise promotes high educational aspirations and more equitable opportunities for Providence Public School and Charter School students by advocating for college savings accounts and family engagement, increasing financial literacy, and reducing the financial burden of higher education.&nbsp;&nbsp;Women’s Fund of Rhode Island: Grumpy Pies. Women’s Fund of Rhode Island (WFRI) invests in women and girls through research, advocacy, grant making and strategic partnerships designed to achieve gender equity through systemic change.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cunha said they are hosting three events during that month to boost awareness. On October 1, they are holding its “First Bite” event from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Invited guests will join in the festivities in kicking off the event. Admission to this event is free and open to the public. Attendees will have a chance to purchase the signature items as well.&nbsp;On October 13, there will be a “Dine Out” event from 5:00-8:30 PM. The public can order items from the participating restaurants to raise more funds.&nbsp;Finally, their “Lights On After School” takes place on October 22 from 5:30 – 8:30 PM. This is tied to a national celebration across the country. The seven organizations will share their stories and their respective missions. Cunha said it will spread the word about these organizations and what they mean to them.Elizabeth wants to get the word out about this event for two reasons. First, she wants the public to be aware of this and support these causes. Second, she is appealing to the business community for assistance. Elizabeth seeks area companies who want to help sponsor the events. For individuals, they can either volunteer, donate to one of the many causes, and/or spread the word on the social media channels.&nbsp;The Center for Dynamic Learning was founded in 2003 as Traveling Theatre, an arts enrichment organization whose teaching artists traveled from school to school providing artistic experiences for youth. As the company grew, Founder Beth Cunha was able to realize her ultimate goal of a youth serving arts and sciences enrichment organization. To date, CDL has served over 10,000 children and teens from Westerly to Woonsocket.&nbsp;“We teach beyond the classroom so they’ll reach beyond the classroom,” Cunha added.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more details about the event or regarding The Center for Dynamic Learning, please contact Elizabeth Cunha at 401-749-9810/cell, 401-461-1813, ext., 102, or beth@cdlri.org. More details can also be obtained by visiting www.cdlri.org or at www.track15ri.com.&nbsp;

Local Event: Lights On, Plates Full 

Lights On, Plates Full 

Elizabeth Cunha saw the charitable landscape and wanted to find a different way of getting the message across.  She appears to...

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

Music in the GalleriesThe Rhode Island Civic Chorale &amp; Orchestra partners with the RISD Museum to pair live choral performances with works of art.The Rhode Island Civic Chorale &amp; Orchestra (RICCO) and the RISD Museum will transform an evening at the museum into an immersive experience of music and art on Thursday, October 1, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. As part of the museum’s Free Thursday program, visitors are invited to wander through the galleries, discovering live performances inspired by the artwork that surrounds them. Admission to this event is free and open to the public.Instead of gathering in a concert hall, audiences will encounter chamber ensembles performing throughout five museum galleries, with music chosen to complement the collections on display. The evening concludes with a larger performance in the museum’s Grand Gallery, creating an experience where visitors can move freely between music and art at their own pace.&nbsp;“The idea for this program comes out of RICCO’s mission to engage with our community,” said Music Director Joshua Rohde. “The RISD Museum is one of Rhode Island’s iconic artistic spaces, and we wanted to explore what could happen when the art on the walls becomes part of the musical experience.”Throughout the evening, visitors will discover music paired with specific collections. From Japanese folk music performed alongside Japanese art to Renaissance choral works, contemporary compositions, and rarely-heard Inuit music, each performance will take on a new meaning influenced by the surrounding artwork. The Grand Gallery finale will also offer a preview of major works by Johannes Brahms and Arvo Pärt, which RICCO will be performing later this season.“I think magic is the right word,” Rohde said. “The museum is already an incredible place to encounter art. Pairing it with live choral music only deepens the experience. It’s one thing to hear beautiful music in your car. It’s another to hear it while surrounded by spaces that inspire reflection and wonder.”“The RISD Museum is a place where people can encounter art in unexpected ways,” said Deborah Clemons, Director of Public Programs for the museum. “We’re excited to partner with RICCO to create an evening where music and art enrich one another in ways that are both meaningful and memorable.”Each performance lasts about fifteen minutes and repeats throughout the evening, making the event easy to enjoy whether visitors stay for ten minutes or all three hours, Rohde said. “We hope people who love art discover choral music, people who love choral music discover the museum, and everyone leaves wanting to come back for more.Press Contact:Mark Berger(401) 365-2202markb@bergseyeprri.com

Local Event: Music in the Galleries

Music in the Galleries

Music in the GalleriesThe Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra partners with the RISD Museum to pair live choral performances...

The Last Resort Restaurant and Bar

The Jay G. Lawrence Foundation: Giving While Remembering&nbsp;It is often said that the greatest tragedy in life for parents is outliving their children. They are robbed of the opportunity to watch them grow up, find their true love, build a family and a career, raise their own children, and so much more. They also lose the chance to continue a family lineage that could extend for many generations.&nbsp;The one consolation that may give grieving families some peace of mind are the memories they are left with. They become more cherished as the years pass because those who passed on will never be forgotten.Many times, families will do sonething in hopes of raising money and awareness to a particular cause and/or to pay tribute a life cut far too short.The Jay G. Lawrence Foundation in Smithfield is one such story. It is named for a Smithfield resident who was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident in 2001. Jay was a stand-out hockey player who earned All-State Honors twice during high school. He attended the University of Rhode Island and had a bright future until one night changed everything for him, his family, and those who knew him.Rather than just wallow in the tears, the Lawrence family and their colleagues decided to memorialize Jay by establishing this Foundation. Their goal is raising money to help provide scholarships to Smithfield High School seniors who want continue on to either a trade or a college degree.Board Member Peter Lawrence, who is Jay’s brother, said doing this is more than simply giving back to the community that meant so much to Jay. It provides purpose and fulfilment for the board members and a positive influence for average students to expand their horizons and become professional people of character.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;“The scholarships we award are primarily given to middle-class students who may not have the resources to obtain grants, scholarships, and other monies to continue their education,” Peter said. “Jay was an average student who knew what he wanted to do in life—work with his hands. These opportunities are not always available to students. Our hope in creating the Foundation is to reach other students who need a helping hand.”Scholarship amounts range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the number or applications submitted and the amount available to distribute. The Foundation awards an average of 10 scholarships annually.Another way the Foundation pays tribute to those who passed away too early is through The Smithfield Youth Memorial at Deerfield Park. Three-dozen names are memorialized of those who died before the age of 30. In early December, there is tree lighting ceremony to remember our loved ones and comfort each other during a very difficult season. They read each of the names of those who passed as a Navy bell rings in their memory.Lawrence said families are moved by the gesture.“Some families are stricken with grief, but they will attend this service to hear their loved one’s name,” he said. “It’s a way for us to never forget them and the lives they led before their untimely passings.”Since it’s inception in 2001, The Jay G. Lawrence Foundation has raised nearly $350,000 to local students in need. They host various events to help share the wealth. The Foundation will host a New England Patriots Watch Party at The Last Resort in Smithfield on Sunday October 4, beginning at noon. For a $20 admission fee, patrons can enjoy complementary pizza from 1:00-2:00 PM,, order other items from their menu, enter raffles for some great prizes, watch the Patriots versus The Buffalo Bills, and support their efforts.Lawrence hopes the community will turn out for this family-friendly event.“The Patriots will face The Bills at 1 PM. We hope that you will come see us, have some fun with friends and neighbors, and maybe walk away with a great door prize,” he said.A lifelong resident of Smithfield, Jay Lawrence was a beloved student-athlete who served as Captain of the Hockey Team, and was considered by all to be a warm, witty, kind, and charismatic member of the student body during his four years at Smithfield High School. Jay was also twice named to Rhode Island's All-State Hockey Team (1996, 1997).In 2001, during his Junior year at The University of Rhode Island, Jay was the victim of a devastating motor vehicle accident, breaking the hearts of all those who enjoyed the blessing of knowing his vibrant, loving, generous soul.In 2002, Jay’s grandfather, George Sutcliffe, along with numerous friends and family, created The Jay G. Lawrence Foundation. The Foundation raises money to support community members in need, offer medical and home assistance to locals, and most significantly, has contributed over $345,000 in scholarships to student and athletes at Smithfield High School.For more information about the Foundation and its upcoming events, please contact Peter Lawrence at 401-726-3210 or at peter@lawrenceagencyinc.com

Local Event: New England Patriots Watch Party to Benefit Jay G. Lawrence Foundation 

New England Patriots Watch Party to Benefit Jay...

The Jay G. Lawrence Foundation: Giving While Remembering It is often said that the greatest tragedy in life for parents is...

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