We hope you will join us for this very worthy cause and a chance to dance away those holiday pounds! Roland and I look forward to seeing you at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet on Saturday, January 30, 2010...Happy New Year and best wishes to you in 2010!
Sincerely, Cheryl W. Snead.
The Providence American had the opportunity to conference with Roland and Cheryl about this honor that the Governor has bestowed upon them, as it is reported that Roland and Cheryl may be the first African American couple to Co-host this annual event started by the Carcieris.
PA: First of all congratulations Cheryl and Roland on all of your successes starting with Banneker Industries, your leadership in the community and of course for the more recent announcement of your co-hosting the 2010 Celebrate Rhode Island Ball. How does it feel to host the last of the Balls with the founders of the event?
R/C: We see it as an honor of course and being the first African American couple to co-host makes it even more special. The fact that we do know the Governor and First Lady has a lot to do with his request of course, but the events cause is one we support. When we were asked we had to accept, as this is one fundraising event that all the proceeds go to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund. In todays economic climate, coupled with the rising cost of fuel, this opportunity becomes more special for us. Roland and I believe in giving back and helping when and where we can, and so this opportunity is a perfect fit with our values and goals in life.
PA: Is the Governor trying to reach out to a wider community this year?
C: Yes the Governor does hope for a diverse attendance, as do I. The event is reasonably priced so we do hope that many more people will come out and dance some of the Holiday calories away.
R: Let me ad that the purpose of this event is to help those who in many cases, and no fault of their own, cannot meet the cost of heating their homes, which could happen to anybody anytime. All it takes is an untimely lay-off or a serious illness to place us in jeopardy.
C: Over the six years that the event has taken place over $600,000 has been raised for the fund that has helped over 1,500 Rhode Island families and thats remarkable; not to mention the collaboration between the Salvation Army and the utility companies that have been maintained. The fund raising Committee has set a goal of $100,000 this year in total proceeds to go to the fund.
PA: This years celebration is of the Ocean States Shining Stars, who are the shining stars?
C/R: Beyond the fact that there is an artistic reason for the theme this year it is also thought to refer to the many organizations, businesses, professionals and Rhode Island citizens that are Stars. In short it is the celebration of our state and those who are engaged in the community.
PA: Well we hope that you and your Co-hosts Bill and Donna Cupelo are successful in meeting or exceeding your goal of $100,000. It truly is for a good cause. So I hope to see you at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet, Saturday evening, January 30th at 7:30-11:30 for dancing the night away with Rhode Islands other Shining Stars.