Foundation honors community leaders at 2010 Annual Meeting
Honorees recognized for their dedication to Rhode Island
During The Rhode Island Foundation’s 2010 Annual Meeting on June 3 at the Providence Biltmore, donors, community leaders, grant recipients, and stakeholders recognized several remarkable Rhode Islanders who have shown tremendous leadership and dedication to improving our state and the quality of life for others through their philanthropy and community engagement.
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| Letitia and John Carter with Foundation President & CEO Neil D. Steinberg | The Foundation’s Inspiring Partners Award was awarded to John and Letitia Carter of Providence. Established in 2003, the award recognizes individuals who have inspired others with their personal commitment to philanthropy and thoughtful approach to grantmaking. John and Letitia Carter were honored for their deeply committed efforts to shape a better future for countless Rhode Islanders.
“The Carter’s commitment, integrity and generous philanthropic efforts have had tremendous impact across the state. Their generosity and caring spirits can be found in communities and organizations across the state, and it is an honor to recognize John and Letitia Carter for their love of Rhode Island,” said Neil D. Steinberg, president and CEO.
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| Paul Silver and Neil Steinberg | Paul A. Silver of Providence received The Harold B. Soloveitzik Professional Leadership Award, an award established for the beloved Westerly lawyer who exhibited an enduring commitment to philanthropy throughout his career. The award is given annually to a professional advisor who shares this enduring commitment. Paul A. Silver, a partner with Hinckley, Allen & Snyder, was recognized for his long standing relationship with the Foundation and the personal value he places on both practicing and promoting philanthropy in Rhode Island.
“We are truly fortunate at the Foundation to have Paul’s good counsel and guidance, and even more important, his trust. We are honored to work with Paul and the many clients he has connected to us,” said Carol Golden, executive vice president and chief development officer at the Foundation.
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| Elizabeth Burke Bryant and Neil Steinberg | The Foundation also inaugurated a new award at the meeting. The Community Leadership Award was presented to Rhode Island KIDS COUNT and Elizabeth Burke Bryant. KIDS COUNT and Bryant were recognized for commitment, innovation, and passion in promoting positive outcomes for our state’s children.
“Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is a longstanding partner of the Foundation. Elizabeth Burke Bryant’s leadership and expertise is well known and respected by leaders across the state. Elizabeth and her staff have worked tirelessly to make KIDS COUNT one of our state’s most effective advocacy organizations,” said Steinberg.
In addition to the awards presented, Steinberg reported on The Rhode Island Foundation’s activities and impact in the state during the past year. In 2009, the Foundation’s grantmaking in the community totaled $27.5 million to more than 1,000 local organizations. In the last decade, the Foundation’s investments in Rhode Island total more than $240 million.
“Like the 700 community foundations across the nation meeting the needs of a specific geographic area, The Rhode Island Foundation’s mission is to meet the needs of the people of Rhode Island through philanthropy and community leadership. We hope these award recipients will inspire others to become engaged in our community and to consider how their philanthropy can have a positive impact for Rhode Islanders. Working with our partners, we will continue to support strategies and efforts that will effect positive change across our state,” said Steinberg.
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| Current Foundation board member Peter Damon (left) talks with Melvin Alperin, a former board member and chairman. |
Elizabeth Chace (right) chats with Mary and John Wall. Both Mrs. Chace and Mr. Wall served on the Foundation board. |
Inspiring Partner John Carter (left) talks with Sandy McCulloch, a former board member and chairman. |
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