THE PROVIDENCE CENTER HONORS PHILANTHROPISTS
GUY ABELSON, TRACI WINKLER MACERONI AND JOSHUA TEVEROW
AT ANNUAL EVENT

PROVIDENCE, RI (October 29, 2007) – More than 300 people gathered to honor philanthropists Guy Abelson, Traci Winkler Maceroni and Joshua Teverowat The Providence Center’s “Circle of Stars Event” on Saturday, October 27, 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 those struggling with mental illness and addiction.


Emceed by Mark Weiner, the evening featured a “ VIP ” reception followed by a dinner, live and silent auctions, tributes and an awards ceremony. Sopranos star, Federico Castelluccio, posed for pictures with guests. The event raised $155,000, which will help to fund The Providence Center’s innovative mental health and addiction treatment services. Dale K. Klatzker, president/CEO of The Providence Center, stressed the important role The Providence Center plays in the community: “The Providence Center ’s goal is to ensure that every child, adolescent and adult in need has access to effective, innovative services. We instill hope in the lives of people who feel that they are invisible and not valuable to society.”

The speaking program included two special guests who spoke about the integral role that The Providence Center has played in their lives. Carolann M. Livingstone, a client of The Providence Center, expressed her heartfelt thanks noting, “When I was homeless with no where to go, The Providence Center found me housing in a homeless shelter and helped me to realize that I did want to live, even though living was so hard. Today, I am a successful mother, HUD advocate and award winning dean’s list student because so many staff at The Providence Center cared. They saved my life.”

Tracey Laranjo, a parent of a Providence Center School student, told the audience how The Providence Center School impacted her son’s life: “The clinicians and teachers at The Providence Center School took my son under their wings. They listened to his concerns, supported him, and, for the first time, my son started to show progress. At The Providence Center School, my son was not just cared for, he was cared about.”

The awards portion of the evening began with the presentation of the Circle of Stars award to Joshua Teverow, Esq., by Providence Mayor David Cicilline. Mayor Cicilline commented on Teverow’s generosity: “In Josh’s typical, low-key manner, he has donated his time, talent and treasure to help ensure The Providence Center’s success.”

Eileen Hayes, executive director of Amos House, presented the second Circle of Stars Award to Traci Winkler Maceroni of Winkler Group, Ltd. Hayes praised Maceroni for her tenacity: “When it comes to helping others, Traci is not afraid to ask anyone for anything. Her credibility among her friends and colleagues is outstanding because she never asks for anything she is not willing to give herself.”

The final Circle of Stars award was presented to Guy Abelson by Bernie Beaudreau, vice president of development at The Global Foodbanking Network. Beaudreau praised Guy for his community support, “Guy has committed his time in the hope of creating economically sound, vital, stimulating and just communities that will benefit all Rhode Island citizens.”

All honorees praised the vital work done at The Providence Center. Teverow stated, “The Providence Center is a great organization doing fantastic work helping those in our community who need mental health and substance abuse counseling the most.” Ableson commented, “The Providence Center has been providing critically needed mental health care and substance abuse treatment services for over 38 years to more than 11,000 low income individuals, children and families. Maceroni concluded by commending The Providence Center for helping people who have no where else to turn: “Earlier this evening, we heard the how The Providence Center changed Tracey’s and Carolann’s lives. Tracey and Carolann turned to The Providence Center because they felt depressed, helpless, isolated and lonely. None of us are immune to these feelings. Most of us have someone, something, or some kind of positive force to pull us through difficult times. But not all people do. What happens to people when the systems break down? That’s when the Providence Center picks them up.”

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 11,000 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.