SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Mission Statement :
A Wish Come True , the oldest wish-granting organization in RI , MA and eastern Conn ., grants wishes AND provides resources to families that have a child struggling with a life-threatening illness . Since 1982 , more than 1,850 wishes have been granted .
Background : A Wish Come True expanded programs to help meet the increasing needs of wish families . The Meghan Duffy Hardship Fund was created to help families in financial crisis .
Brag Lines :
• A Wish Come True has grown 130 % in wishes granted over the last five years !
• Over 1,500 lives are touched each year through granting wishes and events for families .
• 78 cents of each dollar directly impacts our local Wish Program .
• Mary Kate O ’ Leary , CEO , received the PBN Leaders and Achievers Award in 2024 .
Pay It Forward : “ I am a single mother of a child with medical conditions whose conditions have worsened . It has been difficult to be in a job . I don ’ t get paid enough to pay all the bills . Sometimes I have to pick and choose what to pay for the month including food .” Let ’ s help her !
Wish List : Support the Hardship Fund
Have a dress-down day at your office
Organize an event to support AWCT
Upcoming Events : Shamrocks & Shenanigans March 14 , Venus De Milo
25th Annual RocknJock Charities for AWCT Aug . 9 ( Concert ) Warwick Aug . 10 ( Golf ) East Greenwich
30th Annual Rock , Rhythm and Blues Sept . 6 – 7 , Westport
A Wish Come True
6 Jefferson Dr . Coventry , RI 02816 awish . org
Mary-Kate O ’ Leary , MA Executive Director
PHOTOGRAPHY : TOM WALSH
Top left to right : The Jamaican Society of RI crew at Community Flavors / Funda Fest ; artmaking at FUNDA Story Camp . Bottom left to right : 17-year-old Maxwell Washington ’ s storytelling debut ; Rachel Briggs : Funda Fest Storytelling Concert at MPACT Stage .
Mission Statement
RIBS is committed to promoting the awareness , appreciation and application of Black Storytelling through performances , and cultural experiences for all . We define Black Storytelling as the oral arts and traditions of African descended people worldwide .
background In 1998 in response to an invitation to be a “ catalyst for community ,” RIBS created FUNDA FEST : A Celebration of Black Storytelling . RIBS now has year-round activities , including storytelling trainings for youth and adults .
Brag lines In 2024 RIBS reached over 8,000 people through FUNDA FEST 26 , FUNDA STORY CAMPS , 65 + performances around New England , and our inaugural Legacy Academy : A Culturally Based Storytelling Training Program for emerging storytellers .
Pay it forward Your support means RIBS can continue to present artists and programs that make a direct impact on the lives of children and families , and emerging voices to ensure the stories continue for generations to come .
Wish List Financial Contributions Corporate Partnerships Event Sponsorships Funda Fest Committee Board of Directors Volunteers Join our Community mailing list
Upcoming events
FUNDA FEST 27 A Celebration of Black Storytelling Jan . 17-27
fundafest . org for tickets and information
Rhode Island Black Storytellers
393 Broad St . Providence , RI 02907 401-563-8998 info @ ribsfest . org ribsfest . org | Founded in 1998 fundafest . org
Valerie Tutson Executive Director
94 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY I JANUARY 2025