Celebrate. Be Inspired. Learn.

The Center for Advanced Practice at Adoption Rhode Island invites you to an afternoon filled with inspiration and celebration.

Join us as we proudly honor exceptional leadership and dedication to making a transformational difference in the lives of children at the 2nd Annual Children First and Always Awards Luncheon.

The Children First and Always Awards Luncheon is one of three featured events taking place from June 2, 2023 to June 8, 2023 as part of Adoption Rhode Island’s Gathering to Give series of celebrations and fundraisers taking place across Rhode Island.

The Luncheon will be on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at noon.

96 Hoyt Ave., Rumford, Rhode Island

Enjoy a tasty lunch prepared by the culinary team at Wannamoisett while, together, we recognize the outstanding contributions that our esteemed honorees have made to changing the course of children’s lives.

The Keynote Speaker is Ian Forber-Pratt.

Ian Forber Pratt, MSW works in the field of child protection and child protection system reform in multiple countries across the world. He is the Deputy Executive Director at Children’s Emergency Relief International, an adjunct professor at the Washington University’s George Warren Brown School of Social Work, and a Member of the Board of Trustees at Principia School and College.

Ian is an international adoptee himself who discovered a human trafficking racquet surrounding his origin story and specializes in therapy with adoptive families both international and domestic in identity, root search, and cultural competence.

Awardees:

Ian Forber Pratt Keynote

Elizabeth Burke Bryant

Milly Mansuo

Stephanie H. Parade

Carol A. Peterson

Marcia Ranglin - Vassell

Tickets are $75 per person. Table Sponsorships at $1000 include tickets for 10 guests and signage recognizing your contribution and congratulations.

Don't miss out! Each event has capacity limits and sold-out last year. Register to reserve your spot. Be sure to register here on Givebutter. Payment is accepted online or by check. If you would prefer to pay by check, please send payment to:

Adoption RI

PO Box 6411

Providence, RI 02940

About Adoption Rhode Island

Adoption Rhode Island (ARI), is a private, non-profit organization recognized as a leader in

in delivering compassionate and trauma-informed services to achieve the best lifelong outcomes for children, teens and families affected by child abuse, foster care and adoption.

Adoption Rhode Island’s mission is to create safety, belonging and permanency for foster and adopted children, vulnerable youth and families through compassionate services, education and advocacy. At the core of our work is dedication to finding permanency for children and promoting their well-being.

More than 2000 individuals are served by ARI’s delivery of a comprehensive array of programming. ARI plays a critical role in finding permanent, loving families for children and youth in Rhode Island’s foster care system, supporting the well-being of children and families, and improving child welfare policy and practice across the human service system. 

Darlene Allen, CEO & Executive Director, dallen@adoptionri.org

Our current Gathering to Give sponsors include:

Presenting Sponsors:

Al & Gerrie Verrecchia

In Honor of Marlene & Jim Williams

Omni Group

Ruby Sponsors:

BankRI

Bottaro Injury Lawyers

Cardi's Furniture & Mattresses

Carol A. Peterson

Coastal1 Credit Union

Eliza & Steve Beringhause/Red Dog Inn and Resort

Hasbro

Massimoto Media

Michael Perik & Liz Beretta Perik

Emerald Sponsors:

Apex Technology Group

Mod Mama

Lepizzera & Laprocina

Patricia & Harvey Bennett

Sapphire Sponsors:

Anonymous

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Charrel Maxwell

Darlene Allen & Carmel Merrick

Genie Shao & Neil Steinberg

Home Loan Investment Bank

Jane & Don Stanford

Jennifer & Jack Foster

Judge Caprio

Lary & Stephanie Norin

Linda Loiselle & Chris Lee

Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island

Partridge Snow & Hahn

Seaberg Construction

Sweet Peas Village

Webster Bank

Gathering to Give Host Committee

David Arpin

Dr. Linda Coffin & Dr. Paul Miles-Matthias

Wayne & Jeanie Charness

Kevin Colman

Kara Foley

Betty-Jo Cugini

George & Daphne Demopulos

Ann Gooding

The Honorable Paul & Linda Jones

Cindy Laughlin

Megan Knobbe Leamy & Dennis Leamy

Linda Loiselle

Paula Marcello

Sulina Mohanty

Princess Bomba

Carol A Peterson

David & Kerry Rowe

Mark & Nicole Searles

Genie Shao

Don & Jane Stanford

Patrice Wood

Denise & Zach Schwarzbach

Spring Gala Event Steering Committee

Charrel Maxwell, Chair

Darlene Allen

Olivia Deluca

Linda Foley

Jennifer Foster

Bridget Gieseke

Kristen Linnell Gower

Jill Levin

Heather Mayo

Julie Navarro

Stephanie Norin

Donna Rivera

Heather Sillins

Gerrie Verrecchia

Melisa Verrecchia

Children First and Always Awards Luncheon

Join us at the Wannamoisett Country Club to recognize those who have made a positive contribution to child welfare.

Team Members