East Commerce Solutions Charity Spotlight: Children’s Wishes
https://www.wpri.com/rhode-show/east-commerce-solutions-and-childrens-wishes/
1st Annual Summer Stars Cabaret
The 1st Annual Summer Stars Cabaret will be held on Thursday, August 22 from 6-9pm at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln, RI. Guests will enjoy live jazz music, seasonal fare and a complimentary 2 hour wine table! We are pleased to announce our sponsors for the evening:
Hospitality Sponsors:
Wish Maker Sponsors:
Compass and Journey Awards
On Friday, May 10, 2019, Children’s Wishes will hold its 2nd Annual Passport Gala at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, RI. Navigant Credit Union President & CEO, Gary Furtado will be presented with the 2019 Compass Award and Emma Zielinski will be presented with the 2019 Journey Award.
The Compass Award is presented to an individual who understands the impact of their generosity in service of our families and has exemplified what it means to be a compassionate and committed leader. We are grateful for Gary’s leadership in the community and his support of our Wish Kids.
The Journey Award is presented to an individual whose life is the embodiment of the joy, hope and pride of the Journey. Emma is best friends with Wish Kid, Ella Watters. Emma bravely shaved her head at the age of 5 when her friend, Ella lost her hair during treatment for Ewing Sarcoma. Despite Emma’s young age, she stood by her friend during the worst of times and continues to be a leader of #TeamElla.
Children’s Wishes Partners with Mighty Well!
Children’s Wishes has partnered with Mighty Well, a program that pairs Wish Kids with Mighty Well Mentors who have experienced living with a serious illness. Mighty Well’s CEO, Emily Levy is a Rhode Island native and her battle with Chronic Neurological Lyme Disease is what inspired her to start Mighty Well.
Mighty Well makes functional patient products with a stylish twist: brightly colored and patterned antimicrobial PIIC line covers, Mighty Pack backpacks for infusion supplies and a MedPlanner to organize daily medication on the go are among the products you can find at Mighty Well! Mighty Mentors is part of Mighty Well’s Social Impact Programming supporting Wish Kids on their illness journey. Mighty Mentors pairs a mentor with a Wish Kid to share stories and provide support, guidance and inspiration as the challenges of the Wish Kid’s illness continue.
The Providence Business News recently interviewed Children’s Wishes Executive Director Mary O’Rourke regarding the partnership. “I thought it was interesting, what they were doing for people to empower those who are on their illness journey.” Mary contacted Mighty Well to see if they had ever worked with Wish Kids and the rest is history! Here is more from that interview.
The first mentoring session with a Wish Kid took place in February and was a huge success! Wish Kid, Zach and Mighty Well CEO, Emily had a great time and Zach’s Mom, Christine was able to also glean support from the session as she witnessed the very special connection Emily had with Zach. To make things fun, Emily also taught Zach how to make a lava lamp and some slime!
Together, this partnership will continue to close the gap of walking along the illness journey alone. Children’s Wishes continues to support all Wish families, no matter what organization granted the child’s Wish through our Family Programming. Children’s Wishes is very proud to be partnering with Mighty Well in the continued service of all Wish Families!
Children’s Wishes welcomes its newest Board Member, Peter Jacavone III!
Peter Jacavone III is currently the Senior Vice President, Assistant Sales Manager and Construction Practice Group Leader at Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage Inc. headquartered in East Providence, R.I. Peter joined the firm in 2010, leveraging his personal experience and passion for anything construction related. As practice leader, he manages the development, negotiation, and implementation of industry specific insurance applications, forms, endorsements, and service deliverables offered throughout the entire Starkweather organization. In 2017 Peter was named one of Providence Business News 40 under 40 award recipients. Peter is a passionate leader and respected member of the community who looks forward to making a positive impact on the Children’s Wishes organization.
Peter grew up in the town of Johnston, RI. He is a graduate of LaSalle Academy and Rhode Island College, where he received his bachelor’s degree in business management and accounting. Peter and his fiancé Talia currently reside in Greenville, RI and will be married in the fall of 2019.
“Being able to make a child’s dream come true when their circumstances are not so favorable makes it all worth it. The fact that Children’s Wishes is a local organization that is deeply rooted in our community makes the organization very special to me.” Peter said.
Thank You, Sons of Italy!
Many thanks to President, Joe Calabro from the Renaissance-Alliance Lodge #1966/Sons of Italy and fellow member and Children’s Wishes Board Treasurer, Ron Cascione. They welcomed us on March 5th during their monthly meeting at Lancellotta’s in North Providence.
Wish Kid, Lydia shared the story of her Journey and touched the hearts of all who were in the room! We were presented with a $250 donation and had a laughter filled night with our new friends!
