On September 19, 2024, the Nonviolence Institute hosted a truly memorable evening— our 15th annual Invest in Peace fundraiser. It was an event that exceeded expectations in every way, filled with joy, unity, and a shared commitment to nonviolence. The evening was a beautiful reflection of our Beloved Community, deeply rooted in the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and served as a reminder of the power of collective action in these challenging times.
From the moment guests arrived, there was an undeniable energy in the air — one of hope and purpose. Familiar faces mingled with new faces — all coming together with a common goal: to invest in peace. Farm Fresh Rhode Island provided the perfect space, with its open, welcoming atmosphere. The event was truly a "healthy celebration," bringing people together through delicious food, uplifting conversations, and shared values.
As always, this event was more than just a fundraiser — it was a celebration of the life-changing work happening at the Nonviolence Institute. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our attendees and supporters, we can continue to provide essential services to our clients and the young adults participating in our SEED (Skills Enrichment and Employment Development) program. Every donation ensures that these individuals receive the care and support they need, and it also allows us to provide nonviolence training to hundreds of Rhode Island law enforcement officers, teachers, students, and community members.
Throughout the night, stories were shared that highlighted the impact of our work and reinforced the importance of investing in peace, not just for today, but for future generations. We also awarded a few individuals and organizations making extraordinary change and strides in their communities:
The Power of Place Award – This award goes to a community member who creates a safe space to show how surroundings affect thoughts emotions and actions.
This award was presented to Marta Martinez, founder, and Executive Director of RI Latino Arts. Marta has been instrumental in raising awareness about the local Latino art community for over thirty years. The play 'La Broa' is a production inspired by Nuestras Raíces: The Latino Oral History Project of Rhode Island. It showcases the real-life stories of Latina and Latino Rhode Islanders.
The Sister Ann Keefe award was presented to College Unbound. Sister Ann Keefe co-founded the Nonviolence Institute with Fr. Raymond Malm. Sister Ann is legendary for her ability to get things done, to lead, to console, confront, organize, build bridges, and entertain with her quick wit. In other words, Sister Ann was persistent, she cared for those without privilege, and she hardly ever took NO for an answer. College Unbound’ s mission is to reinvent the higher education experience for underserved adult, learners. CU and co-founder and president, Adam Bush, believes everyone has a right to post-secondary education. What started as a program in 2009 with 10 traditional-ages college students sharing living and space in a 3-story home on the Lower South Side of Providence has grown and expanded to Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The Community Impact Award is an award that honors those who make our community a better place and supports and uplifts it. Neighborhood Health Plan is a connector and advocate for the community. Their mission, vision and values ensure that RI’s at-risk populations have access to high quality and cost-effective health care.
It was a powerful reminder of the ripple effect that one act of kindness, one investment in nonviolence, can have on a community.
As the night came to a close, there was a sense of deep connection among everyone present. We left with full hearts, inspired to continue building a more peaceful and compassionate world. The Nonviolence Institute is forever grateful to all who attended, donated, and supported our mission.
We look forward to continuing this journey together. Thank you for being a part of this unforgettable night, and for standing with us as we invest in peace for all.
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Thank you to our Invest In Peace 2024 sponsors!:
City Sponsors
Amica Insurance Company
Barbara Sokoloff
Neighborhood Sponsors
Ocean State Job Lot
Block Sponsors
Washington Trust
Street Sponsors
Armory Properties
Awan Family
Care New England
City of Pawtucket
City of Providence
DBVW Architects
Eastern Bank
Gilbane
Gunness Financial Services, LLC
IGT
Navigant
Sayles Livingston Design
Sloane & Walsh
Corner Sponsors
Brewster Thornton Group
Coastal1
Delta Dental
Dr. Megan Ranney
Father Raymond Malm
Lifespan
Lynne Malone
Mechanics Cooperative Bank
Motley Rice
Omni Development Corporation
Polaris MEP/JARC
Providence Human Relations Commission
Sarah Whitehead
Seth Handy
SWAP, Inc.
United Way
Friends of the Institute
Anchor Subaru
The Blue Dory Inn
Frank Darigan
Katherine Brown
Katie Lovi
Melissa and Kevin Jadin
Oliver Majewski
Theresa Jenner
The Vineyard Square Hotel and Suites
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