Previous Fundraising Events

Annual Cocktail Celebration

The Maher Center's Annual Cocktail Celebration took place on Sunday, October 14, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency on Goat Island. The ballroom was filled with over 175 friends of the Center, who enjoyed the musical stylings of Paul DelNero, Mike Renzi, Dennis Cook & Bob Kaufman.

Richard Carbotti and his staff yet again delivered on their promised theme of "Cocktails at the Grand Hotel." Entering the ballroom, you were transported back to the lobby of one of the grand hotels circa 1920. The Maher Center is privileged to have Richard and his team year after year offers their creative flare to make our event décor such a success. The Hyatt, The Mooring, Sardella's, Pour Judgement and the Mad Hatter Bakery supplied the tasty hors d'oeuvres. Paul Leys did an outstanding job again this year as our auctioneer/MC. Thanks to Paul and all of the attendees' enthusiasm, we were able to increase our net profit by 6% over 2011.

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The Center wants to thank each of the area businesses and towns for their continued support via donations & sponsorships. All of the individuals that are supported by the Maher Center are grateful for their generosity. We are privileged to have so many who believe in the mission of the agency. We appreciate that Art Berluti, WADK, Dolores Bauer and WMVY donated advertising and a talk segment for the promotion of the cocktail celebration. The Hyatt staff and Alex Ruggieri, Director of Catering & Convention Services, were a joy to work with and so eager to please every step of the way. Also, kudos to the cocktail committee, which was led by co-chairs Kevin McCarthy (NewportFed) and Tony Teixeira (Bristol Town Council), our faithful volunteers and development staff.

We hope that you all will be able to join us again in 2013 to help raise the necessary funds to continue providing the services to individuals with disabilities that we have been doing for the last 60 years.

43rd Annual Kempenaar's Picnic

On Wednesday August 22nd, clients, family, friends and staff of the center all came together to celebrate our 43rd Annual Kempenaar's Picnic. This event is one that everyone looks forward to all year long. The evening was filled with great food, company and entertainment provided by MC and DJ Nick Toppa. Nick had everyone up dancing and having a great time.

The success of this event would not have been possible if not for Pete Saunders, the Knights of Columbus, Charlie Kempenaar, Mary & Ben Mignogna, Debbie Lefebvre, Sheryl Ramos, Nick Toppa, Jane Roggero, Jackie Breen, the local businesses and all of the attendees.

We look forward to seeing you all next year.

2012 Golf Tournament

The 34th Annual Golf Tournament has been the most successful event in recent years! The tournament raised over $40,000 to aid in supporting the various programs that the Maher Center offers to the children and adults of Aquidneck island with Development Disabilities. The achievements of the tournament are due in part to the charity of the various sponsors, local business, the players and our many dedicated volunteers. We are especially grateful to our Event Sponsor, David Gauthier, owner of DEG Associates and our Corporate Sponsor, Dave & Debra Whalley, owners of Newport Prescription Center.

As always, Green Valley Country Club did a great job in coordinating all aspects with the center. Specials thanks to Gary Dorsi, Joe Floor, Ryan Raposa and all of their staff who made the day such an amazing one.