8th Annual Townsend Luncheon - Child and Family

Child & Family is private non-profit human and health service agency that has proudly served children, families, and seniors throughout Rhode Island since 1866.

Special Events

8th Annual Townsend Luncheon

Summary

After a two-year hiatus, community leaders, dignitaries, clients, and friends came together for Child & Family’s 8^th Annual Townsend Luncheon, held on Wednesday, June 22, 2022.

Middletown (RI) July 25, 2022 –After a two-year hiatus, community leaders, dignitaries, clients, and friends came together for Child & Family’s 8^th Annual Townsend Luncheon, held on Wednesday, June 22, 2022. With much success thanks to Community Partners as well as an exciting Fund the Mission, the luncheon exceeded its goal and raised over $75,000 to benefit Child & Family programs.

The event is an annual celebration of Ellen Townsend and her founding of Child & Family, originally an orphanage called the Home for Friendless Children, in 1866. This year’s luncheon highlighted the important work of providing the continuum of care for the children, families, and elders Child & Family serves throughout Rhode Island. The event was an elegant sit-down lunch, at the spectacular OceanCliff Hotel in Newport, RI, with speakers including Child & Family leadership, Community Partners, and clients.

The event’s keynote speaker, Collete Rinkel, a client who has benefitted from Child & Family’s Family Care Community Partnership (FCCP) and Supportive Housing program, gave a moving testimonial. She shared: “My name is Collete Ann Rinkel; I was once a victim, but I am now a hero. In 2021 I almost lost my life to an abusive partner. That relationship took my self-worth, and it took my soul. In April 2022, my children and I were given a sanctuary thanks to the amazing Child & Family staff in their FCCP and Supportive Housing programs. With their support I was able to claim back my own body from my abuser and focus on my physical health. I created a program, and a business, that has allowed me to lose over 50 lbs. and support other families in the Supportive Housing program through a Wellness Week. Without the support of Child & Family, or my Supportive Housing Case Manager Heather Bishop, my babies and I would not have a home, we wouldn’t be finding our time to thrive and make the strides we have.” Collete’s physical training business is named Faithfully Fearless Promise Physical Training by Collete Ann, and she can be reached at Collete2795@aol.com. Through participation in the Supportive Housing Program, parents are provided with wraparound case-management services and the resources necessary for them to secure permanent housing and improve the overall health and wellbeing of their families. Up to 12 families each year, or 48 individuals, directly benefit from the program. The program is 100% philanthropy-funded through generous Community Partners, like Mark and Ida Aramli.

Child & Family would like to give a special thank you to the Aramlis, owners of BedJet and Founders of The Aramli Foundation for their very generous Fund the Mission challenge and matching gift of $25,000! Mark Aramli said, “Having three young children of our own, Ida and I know how vulnerable families and children are, especially without the support they need during tough times. Our Foundation’s mission is most heavily focused on vulnerable children and families in the area surrounding BedJet headquarters in Newport, RI. When we were researching non-profits that support families throughout Newport County it was obvious the mission of Child & Family aligns with our own: it’s in the name! We have chosen Child & Family to be one of our charities of choice and we are thrilled to co-chair their 39^thAnnual Taste of Newport Sunday October 23^rd, at the Wyndham Newport Hotel in Middletown, RI.” The Aramli Foundation, founded by Mark and Ida in 2020, is a private charitable foundation, and is funded directly by proceeds from the BedJet company.

Child & Family is excited to announce a return to an in-person Taste of Newport! As in years past, guests will enjoy a sumptuous variety of passed small plates and tempting tasting stations, presented by an array of the finest area restaurants, caterers, beverage vendors, and confectioners. Guests will enjoy an extended period of tasting, sipping, and mingling, along with the opportunity to bid on tempting silent auction offerings, all while learning about the important work of Child & Family throughout Rhode Island. To learn more, or purchase event tickets, please visit childandfamilyri.com/get-involved/special-events/tasteofnewport/ .

Child & Family is grateful to all of our 2022 Community Partners for the success of this year’s Townsend Luncheon, including The Aramli Foundation, BedJet, BayCoast Bank, NewportFed Charitable Foundation, the HarborOne Foundation, Bowen’s Wharf Company, Citizens Bank, Affiliated Insurance Managers, BankNewport, Berkshire Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI, Gil’s Appliances, Corrigan Financial, Neighborhood Health Plan of RI, Secure Networks, People’s Credit Union, our host venue and caterer OceanCliff Hotel, our event photographer Allan Millora Photography, our dedicated Child & Family’s Development & Communications Committee members and all the generous supporters who give to Child & Family all year round.

Photographs provided by Alan Millora of Allan Millora Photography.