PROVIDENCE, RI —On Tuesday, October 29, The Providence Center (TPC) hosted its annual Circle of Stars event at the Rhode Island Convention Center, raising more than $500,000 for crucial mental health care in our state. Donors and supporters gathered in person to learn about the emergent need for mental health and addiction services for those struggling with behavioral health issues. 

Money raised at the event will help support The Center’s new Children’s Care Fund and its 60+ innovative life-saving mental health and addiction care services. 

The number of children in Rhode Island experiencing a mental health and addiction crisis continues to surge due to factors such as social media, school pressures, climate change, and anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, among others. To meet this unprecedented need, the Children’s Care Fund will aim to increase access for children and their families by creating new programs, expanding existing services, and providing wrap-around care to help children and their families heal. 

The evening also honored James “Jim” Botvin, The Providence Center, Board Chairperson and Care New England, Board Member.

Jim Botvin is a true champion for The Providence Center. He began his service as a Member of The Providence Center’s Board of Trustees more than 25 years ago. Today, he serves as the Chair of The Providence Center Board and as a Member of the Care New England Board of Directors. During his tenure, Jim has served on many vital TPC and Care New England committees. Leading with a combination of grace, humility, passion, persistence, and generosity, Jim has guided The Providence Center through both challenges and triumphs. He’s been a part of almost every major fundraising effort since the start of his tenure, including serving on our Golf Tournament and Circle of Stars event committees and holding a leadership role for The Charles E. Maynard Fund for the Future Endowment Campaign. His philanthropic support, combined with his efforts to secure
the support of his colleagues resulted in the opening of the Botvin, Porcaro, Teverow Families Playground. The Therapeutic Playground Project is a key component of our Early Childhood Institute and Imagine Preschool. Jim’s commitment to The Providence Center has been instrumental in our growth and recognition as a national leader among community health centers. Jim’s visionary leadership and kind, easy demeanor continue to
enhance the quality of life for countless Rhode Islanders who turn to The Providence Center for help.

Jillian Roy, president of The Providence Center said, “I’ve worked in behavioral healthcare for many years, and the joy I receive from seeing so many members of the community join us to show their support is indescribable. I am so grateful to our donors, as well as the tireless efforts of our clinical staff who work every day at TPC to improve the health and well-being of Rhode Islanders. Without our supporters, we would not be able to provide the excellent standard of care we are known for or help so many get back to living their best life, which lies at the core of our mission.” 

“I would also like to thank our Board of Trustees and our donor community. Their unwavering leadership and financial support have helped us to sustain vital programs and fund new innovation needed to change lives and even save lives,” added Roy. 
 

This year’s top sponsors included:

 Title Sponsor

Ro Mede and Tom Rainey

 Presenting Sponsors 

Carol G. Barton

John and Terry Conelias

Dispill-USA Inc.

Faith E. Lamprey

Youths’ Friends Association

 Premiere Sponsors 

Jim and Shelley Botvin

Richard Klesse 

 Platinum Sponsors 

Balise Auto Group

Jack and Judith Remondi

Mary and Mike Schwartz

Joshua and Cindy Teverow

 Gold Sponsors 

COX Business

Marasco & Nesselbush, LLP 

Ken and Denise Musket -Orion R/E/D

UnitedHealthcare and Optum

Silver Sponsors 

Anonymous (2)

Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Barbeau

Gary and Bethany Furtado

Genoa Healthcare

Mary E. Marran

Elena and Matthew Nicolella

Otrando Porcaro & Associates, Ltd. 

 Rob and Mindy Sherwin

Family Fund at the Jewish Federation of Greater Rhode Island

 Drs. Elizabeth Sullivan and Brian Theyel

 Those who were unable to attend the event may still donate by visiting https://www.providencecenter.org/circleofstars#register.

About The Providence Center

The Providence Center, a Care New England affiliate, is Rhode Island’s largest community behavioral health organization. Serving more than 16,00 people a year, TPC operates with an annual budget of $54 million and employs 500 staff. Through over 60 programs and wraparound services, TPC helps adults, adolescents, and children affected by psychiatric illnesses, emotional issues, and addiction by providing treatment and supportive services within a community setting. Its services are provided in 30 locations across the state.