Building Community
Thirty-three years ago, Hotel Viking collaborated with Child & Family and hosted the very first signature benefit event, Taste of Newport. In 2014, Taste of Newport returned to its roots at the Hotel Viking with a new flare and design. And once again with the support, creativity and generosity of the team at the Hotel Viking, the event which brings the community together in support of those in need, was voted Best Fundraiser of the Year by Newport Life Magazine. With almost 30 restaurants, caterers, bakeries and confectioners and more than one hundred businesses making donations, Taste of Newport is a true community effort.
General Manager, Rob Burnetti, notes the parallel history behind the partnership, “Child & Family has been around 150 years and we’ve been around for 90 years. Both were built by the families in town.” “Giving back is something we want to do,” says, Nancy Rusiloski, Catering Sales Manager, who for the past three years, has been the hotel’s lead for the Taste of Newport. A favorite part of the event for her is hearing the stories of the people who have benefited from Child & Family services. “There are so many areas their programs affect. We have the opportunity to touch and improve the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds, across our community and throughout our state.”
– Nancy Rusiloski, Catering Sales Manager
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