Providence, R.I. — The Providence Center recently hosted its annual Circle of Stars celebration at the Rhode Island Convention Center, gathering community members, advocates, and supporters for an evening dedicated to expanding access to mental health and addiction care for Rhode Islanders. 

This year’s event marked the official launch of The Providence Center’s new Patient Care Fund, a vital initiative focused on creating and expanding access to mental healthcare and addiction services for adults, children, and families across the state. Proceeds from the evening — totaling nearly $350,000 — will directly support the fund, allowing TPC to offer new and enhanced services, increase outreach efforts, and provide wrap-around care for individuals in need.

The evening also recognized the exceptional leadership and advocacy of K. Joseph Shekarchi, Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, who was honored for his unwavering commitment to expanding access to behavioral health services and strengthening the mental health care system in Rhode Island.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us for this year’s Circle of Stars,” said Jillian Roy, RN, President of The Providence Center. “The overwhelming support we received is a powerful reminder that when we come together as a community, we can break down barriers to care and make meaningful progress toward healing. The new Patient Care Fund represents our shared commitment to ensuring that every Rhode Islander has access to the support they need — when they need it most.”

“In addition, I would like to thank our dedicated Board of Trustees and our generous donor community. Their leadership and financial support have helped TPC continue to offer the vital programs and services that continue to change the lives of those who come to us for help,” added Roy. 

The evening featured moving stories of recovery and resilience, celebrating the impact of TPC’s work across the state and the lives changed through comprehensive, compassionate mental healthcare and addiction services.
 
Presenting Sponsors ($25,000) 

Anonymous 
John and Terry Conelias 
Dispill-USA Inc. 
Youths’ Friends Association
 
Premiere Sponsors ($15,000) 

Richard Klesse and Carolyn Faubert 

Platinum Sponsors ($10,000)
 
Rod and Mercadee Clifton 
Mary and Mike Schwartz

Gold Sponsors ($7,500)
 
Marasco & Nesselbush, LLP 
Michelle Maynard 
UnitedHealthcare and Optum

Silver Sponsors ($5,000)

Anonymous (2) 
Balise Auto Group 
Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Barbeau 
Jim and Shelley Botvin 
Gary and Bethany Furtado 
Genoa Healthcare 
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care 
Elena and Matthew Nicolella 
Otrando Porcaro & Associates, Ltd. 
Performance Environmental Services, LLC 
Drs. Elizabeth Sullivan and Brian Theyel
 
 Those who were unable to attend the event may still donate by visiting  https://www.providencecenter.org/circle-of-stars-one-time-donation
 
About The Providence Center
The Providence Center, a Care New England affiliate, is Rhode Island’s largest community behavioral health organization. Serving more than 8,400 people a year, The Providence Center operates with an annual budget of $80 million and employs over 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.