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United Way of Rhode Island Honors Local Champions at 98th Annual Celebration, Highlights Work Making R.I. Stronger
Recognized for creating positive change were Nancy Serpa, Frank Flynn, Frances and Peter Trafton, and the state’s congressional delegation
Providence, Rhode Island (Oct. 22, 2024) — It has been a year of creating a stronger, more equitable Rhode Island, and as United Way used its 98th Annual Celebration to cast light on the change made possible when our community works together, the organization also honored local champions who have gone above and beyond in service.
On Thursday evening, Oct. 10, more than 400 people filled the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence to celebrate progress made over the past year to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders, and to recommit to the work still ahead. Among the highlights were the creation and launch of the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way, $21 million returned to the pockets of working Rhode Islanders thanks to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, and $1.5 million in grant investments awarded from the Providence Equity Fund at United Way.
“It is impossible to overstate the impact of what we have collectively achieved over the last twelve months, all with the shared goal of realizing a thriving Rhode Island that supports strong families, strong nonprofits and, in turn, stronger communities,” said Cortney Nicolato, United Way’s president and CEO. “This is what it means to be united in action and to push forward in relentless pursuit of making the state we all love and call home the best it can be.”
For their part in creating positive change Nancy Serpa, Frank Flynn, Frances and Peter Trafton, and Rhode Island’s congressional delegation were honored.
The recipient of the Women United Award is Nancy Serpa, co-chair of United Way’s Women United Executive Committee and longtime member of the organization’s Community Engagement Committee. An information technology program manager for Sensata Technologies, Nancy is a steadfast advocate for improving early childhood literacy and a tireless volunteer who brings Women United’s “Young Minds in Motion” afterschool learning series to young students at local libraries and clubs.
Recognized for exemplifying the very best in union leadership and true service to the community, Francis “Frank” Flynn was presented with the Dante F. Mollo Labor United Award. Frank is the President of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals, and National Vice President of the American Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals. He has dedicated the greater part of his life to teaching, nurturing, encouraging, and preparing each student who walked through his classroom for the ever-changing world in front of them. Known as a strong and fair leader who fights for and protects the rights of others, Frank is widely respected and trusted by the education community, his peers, and his union family for always bettering his community.
Frances and Peter Trafton were honored with the Tocqueville United Award. The award is presented to outstanding people whose values and commitment reflect United Way’s mission, and whose extraordinary generosity and dedication to helping others inspires and creates opportunities for everyone in the community. Together, the couple are deeply committed to United Way’s focus on responding to the needs of their neighbors and identifying opportunities to strengthen the state, while ensuring philanthropic contributions align with donors’ intentions.
The final presentation was the Community United Award, which honors the collective impact needed to make progress in Rhode Island. This year, United Way recognized a group of Rhode Islanders for their work around a multitude of issues critical to our state and those who live here. Honored was the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, with U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo on hand to accept on the delegation’s behalf. An assembly of individuals jointly committed to the greater good, the state’s congressional leaders fight each and every day to improve the lives of all residents. At both the local and national levels, they are a true strategic partner of United Way, working to reduce the barriers that too many Rhode Islanders often face when seeking stability, health, and prosperity.
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United Way of Rhode Island is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. As a member of the world’s largest nonprofit network, we bring together individuals, businesses, nonprofits, community leaders, and government to tackle the root causes of inequity and achieve specific, measurable goals. Our programs include 211, the statewide front door connecting Rhode Islanders with social services, resources, and vital programs. Both directly and through grants to nonprofits, we are investing to build economic opportunity, advance childhood learning, expand philanthropy, and drive policy and participation. To learn more, visit unitedwayri.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or YouTube.