Connecting for Children & Families announces Vision of Hope honorees

WOONSOCKET Connecting for Children & Families, a Woonsocket-based nonprofit, on Wednesday announced that its 2019 Vision of Hope dinner raised more than $40,000 to support its mission to transform the lives of children through high quality educational opportunities and family support. Amica Insurance was awarded the Community Champion Award and Patrick McGee, superintendent of Woonsocket Schools, accepted the Outstanding Community Leader Award. Awardees are selected for going above and beyond for those in need in northern RI and for providing support and resources for local children and their families.

More than 160 guests enjoyed the fundraiser, which took place at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln on Oct. 23. The ballroom at the club dazzled guests complete with autumn- inspired centerpieces made by children in CCF’s programs. The evening was emceed by 2017 “The Voice” contestant and Mount Saint Charles creative arts director, Emily Luther. Honorary event chair, Gary Furtado, president and CEO of Navigant Credit Union, welcomed guests to the fundraiser.

Special guest, Julian Alssid, VP of Workforce Development at Community College of Rhode Island spoke to guests about the importance of workforce partnerships and education in the state, while high schooler Andrew Simonini gave an inspiring speech about his life as a Woonsocket student and volunteer with CCF’s programs.

“Each year, this event brings together an amazing group of business, education, and nonprofit leaders to recognize the partnerships within the community that give CCF the ability to continue its mission,” said Terry Curtin, executive director of Connecting for Children & Families. “Our awardees have certainly provided an abundance of support to both our organization and the entire Northern RI community.”

The evening’s honoree, Amica Insurance, also generously provided sponsorship backing along with sponsors Amgen, Customers Bank, Landmark Medical Center, Navigant Credit Union, UnitedHealthcare, and BankRI among others.

Submitted photos by Jessica Pohl Woonsocket Schools Superintendent Patrick McGee, second from left, was honored by the non-profit Connecting for Children & Families at its Oct. 23 annual meeting. Pictured with him, from left, are CCF Executive Director Terry Curtin, Woonsocket Prevention Coalition Director Lisa Carcifero and Navigant Credit Union President Gary Furtado. McGee accepted the Outstanding Community Leader Award.

Terry Curtin, left, presents CCF’s Community Champion Award to Lisa St. Onge, who accepted it on behalf of Amica Insurance.

Brenda Lee Ortiz, an instructor at CCF, poses for a photo with event emcee Emily Luther.