THE PROVIDENCE CENTER HONORS PHILANTHROPISTS
JASON M. FOWLER, KEVIN MARTYN AND PHILIP W. NOEL
AT ANNUAL EVENT

PROVIDENCE, RI (October 18, 2006) – More than 200 people gathered to honor philanthropists Jason M. Fowler, Kevin Martyn and Philip W. Noel at The Providence Center’s “Circle of Stars Event” held on Saturday, October 14th, at The Westin Providence. The event continues the tradition of recognizing and honoring people in the community who have been steadfast in supporting The Providence Center and enhancing the lives of people struggling with mental illness and addiction.

Emceed by Mark Weiner, the evening featured a “VIP” reception followed by a dinner, silent auction, tributes and awards ceremony. The event raised $155,000, which will help fund the innovative mental health and addiction treatment services of The Providence Center, a community-based, outpatient behavioral health organization. Dale K. Klatzker, president/CEO of The Providence Center highlighted the need for philanthropic giving to mental health and addiction organizations. “We receive more than 50,000 telephone requests for assistance each year. Yet, limited resources prevent us from providing services to all who ask for help. Our goal is to ensure that every child, family and adult in need has access to effective, state-of-the art services,” said Klatzker.

The speaking program included two clients of The Providence Center who spoke of the integral role that The Center has played in their lives. Jonathan C. Dupré, a client in the Community and Support Services Program, expressed his heartfelt thanks noting, “If I didn’t go to The Providence Center, I could very easily be hospitalized, homeless, in jail, in a group home or even dead. They always gave 100 percent to me, even when I didn’t give 100 percent back.”

Laura Perry, a participant in The Providence Center’s Independent Living Program, also courageously addressed the audience. Of her journey toward recovery she said, “I can’t imagine what my life would have been like without The Providence Center … The Independent Living Program changed my life forever! Through my work with the staff, I have learned that I am a good person and deserve to have a good, prosperous life. I have learned that I can have goals, work to achieve them, and that I can graduate from college … I am just one example of the many young people that The Providence Center helps each year.”

Both clients received standing ovations.

After a brief pause in the speaking program for a candlelit dinner, The Circle of Stars awards portion of the evening began with a presentation to Vice President/General Manager of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Jason M. Fowler, by Dennis B. Langley, president/CEO of The Urban League of Rhode Island. Of Jason, Langley said, “Jason has distinguished and positioned the corporations he represents as a pillar of a socially responsible and community conscious philanthropic elite …This man, whose statute is outmatched only by the size of his heart, carries himself with grace and dignity.”

Mark Peterson, vice president of Genoa Healthcare, presented the second Circle of Stars Award to Kevin Martyn, CEO of Genoa Healthcare. Of Kevin, Peterson said, “Kevin is very aware of the special needs of the mental health community … Thanks to him, The Providence Center opened its first on-site pharmacy in January 2005. But Kevin’s support for The Center does not stop there … He has very generously contributed his treasure to The Center’s Circle of Stars events and continues to demonstrate his commitment to providing comprehensive care to those with mental health and addiction problems.”

The final award was presented to Philip W. Noel, the former Governor of Rhode Island. Before introducing Judge John E. Orton III to present Noel with his award, Emcee Weiner noted, “Phil Noel exemplifies everything that is good and decent about public service.” When introducing Noel, Orton said, “He certainly is deserving of this honor. He was a great governor; he is a great person.”

All of the evening’s honorees praised the vital work of The Providence Center. Specifically, Jason M. Fowler noted to guests “… It is a blessing that The Providence Center is here to assist (clients) with finding peace through their programs and personally committed staff members.” He also shared words of encouragement to the clients of The Providence Center by quoting words of his father, Willie Fowler, stating, “Remember, failure is not an option!” Your dedication, hard work, hope and resolve will fulfill your goals in life. You can do it!”

Upon receiving his award, Kevin Martyn commented that in his travels over the country, he has found it amazing that people everywhere recognize the impact that The Providence Center has had on community mental health centers. “This is an organization that leads by example … If I think about the true philanthropist, I think about the 500 plus employees who made a conscientious decision at some point in their lives to give … these people are true philanthropists in giving of their livelihood.”

As the final honoree to take the podium, Philip W. Noel had very moving words for the audience as well. He stated, “This is the most affluent nation in the world … yet, we have millions of people who do not have health insurance. Therefore, many of our people are denied quality healthcare … where does the burden fall to take up the slack; to get something done – it falls on organizations like The Providence Center … and the wonderful staff, dedicated people and volunteers that make this organization work. They treated almost 10,000 people this year. And of those 10,000 people there were many who would have had … no chance but for this organization … I’m not worthy of this honor … it’s the people who are here who give of their time and their money to support this organization and organizations like it who deserve the tribute. So I stand here and accept this honor in your name.”

All three honorees were presented with original artwork created by clients in The Providence Center’s Arts & Healing Program.

The Providence Center is a community-based, outpatient behavioral health organization, annually serving over 9,800 adults, children, and adolescents who struggle with mental illness, addiction and emotional problems. Since its establishment in 1969, The Providence Center has been part of Rhode Island’s exemplary behavioral health care system, offering a comprehensive array of treatment and rehabilitation services. For more information call 401-276-4020.