Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence’s “Invest in Peace” Fundraiser
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
This Thursday, April 28, the Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence will celebrate its 10th anniversary and honor community leaders at "Invest in Peace," a fundraiser and party at the Roger Williams Park Botanical Gardens in Providence. Tickets are still available.
With gala food and drink making it a real party, the Institute will honor 27 individuals who've invested time, money, support and expertise into the organization's pioneering work in addressing violence on Providence's streets.
27 honorees, from Governor Chafee to Institute founders
Among the honorees: Governor Lincoln Chafee, the four members of RI's Congressional delegations, Providence Police Chief Col. Dean Esserman, Citizens Bank, the Institute's three founding members, and more businesses, volunteers, and community partners (a full list is below).
"Our honorees are truly the pioneers of the Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence," said executive director Teny Oded Gross. "These individuals stepped out from their homes and offices and stepped up to offer opportunities to those who are burdened by the yoke of violence. They saw we had the will, the determination and a pure belief in the future of our young people that would allow us to build an Institute that would make a real difference in their life outcomes."
Street work for peace
The Institute has supported more than 3,000 young people in Providence and beyond, with its philosophy of combating violence with relationships and opportunities, leading them away from a life on the street and toward a more peaceful future. The Institute has also worked with hundreds of families, providing comfort and strength to those victimized by violence.
"The mission of the Institute -- to promote peace in our streets - is simple in theory but challenging in its implementation," said Gross. "We have lost a street worker on this mission. We have lost friends to violence and seen families victimized. Yet we remain true to this critical mission, and are driven to impact violence."
Invest in Peace, April 28, 6-9pm, Roger Williams Park Botanical Gardens. $45, $100 patrons. Purchase tickets online at www.nonviolenceinstitute.org or call the Institute at 785-2320. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.
Invest in Peace Tenth Anniversary Honorees
The Fabulous Founders
Sister Ann Keefe, Father Ray Malm, Teny Gross
Courageous Board Presidents
Buddy Croft, Paul Mooney, Nondas Hurst Voll, Joyce Butler
Rhode Island's Ambassadors
Governor Lincoln Chafee, Congressman David Cicilline, Congressman James Langevin, Senator Jack Reed, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
Discerning Donors
Jack and Sara McConnell
Innovative Fundraisers
Matt Jerzyk, Dan Meyer, Tim McCormack
Tenacious Community Partners
Sandy Connor, Cedric Huntley, Anna Cano Morales, Keith Morton, Nkoli Onye
Visionary Reporter
Ian Donnis
Sensational Summer Job Sites
ARAMARK Education, Providence Community Library
Game-changing Corporate Support
Jeanne Cola, Citizens Bank
Steadfast Public Servant
Colonel Dean Esserman
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