Avedisian says thank you, forms foundation to support community

By John Howell
Posted 6/21/18

By JOHN HOWELL Former Mayor Scott Avedisian had a goal going into Tuesday's reception, and he was pleased to report to the more than 150 people in attendance that they had made it happen. Avedisian reported that more than $25,000 was raised in

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Avedisian says thank you, forms foundation to support community

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Former Mayor Scott Avedisian had a goal going into Tuesday’s reception, and he was pleased to report to the more than 150 people in attendance that they had made it happen.

Avedisian reported that more than $25,000 was raised in contributions to the newly created Avedisian Charitable Foundation, a tax-exempt foundation that will be managed by the Ocean State Charities Trust for the benefit of Warwick non-profits. In addition, Avedisian is turning over what remains of his campaign account – about $15,000 – to the foundation. The aim is for the foundation to make annual gifts to Warwick non-profits.

Avedisian, who after 18 years as mayor stepped out of the office to take on the job of president and CEO of the Rhode Island Transit Authority this May, focused on the network of organizations and people that make for Warwick’s quality of life. He aims to keep involved in the city.

“Although I’m saying goodbye to the mayor’s office, I’m not saying goodbye to you,” he said.

The evening got off on a light note as Mark Russell recalled how 30 years ago during a visit to his house, Avedisian weighed a run for City Council. Avedisian lost his first run for Ward 1 – the only race for elective office he has lost in his political career. Throughout, Russell has served as Avedisian’s campaign manager.

Serving as master of ceremonies, Russell said there were two purposes to the reception: to thank Scott and to get rid of all the leftover campaign stuff.

“Take it home with you,” he urged.

Indeed, there was an abundance of campaign material for people to take, including Avedisian pins, pens and lawn signs. Russell said the campaign material is not needed “now that he is no longer seeking office and driving a bus.”

Representatives from four of the city’s non-profits spoke of how Avedisian helped them serve the community and his role in bringing them together.

Judith Earle, CEO of the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, spoke of how Avedisian served on the committee that raised $1.6 million to convert the former Conimicut School into the EBC Center.

“He backed his words with action,” said Earle.

She also talked of how after the death of her husband, John Earle, 10 years ago Avedisian has annually hosted a reception in John’s name that has raised more than $60,000 for an advocacy fund to provide legal assistance to victims of domestic violence.

“Scott doesn’t give up,” she said. “He helped thousands of people every year…he set the bar high for future mayors.”

Many of those in the audience were familiar from Avedisian fundraisers. And then there were some, like Rob Farrell, chair of the Warwick Democratic City Committee, who would have never attended an Avedisian political fundraiser. Also crossing political lines, although this surely wasn’t a political event, were Mayor Joseph Solomon and Democratic Councilwoman Donna Travis and Councilman Steve McAllister.

Lara D’Antuono, president of the Warwick Boys and Girls Clubs, concluded that Avedisian wasn’t like “any other mayor.” She related how both she and Avedisian took many pies in the face to raise funds. Beyond the fundraising, she talked of Avedisian’s vision for the Cooper Armory on Sandy Lane and its conversion into a clubhouse serving middle school students as well as city support of the Boys and Girls Club summer camp program.

“He’s created a community that is really caring,” she said.

Christine Harkins, CEO of Bridgemark recovery center, said Avedisian personified how government should be for the people. She spoke about the opioid epidemic and how it “takes courage to stand up against it.” She said Avedisian recognized “how we are all connected” and strove to make the city a healthy and safe place.

A group of musicians from the Warwick Symphony Orchestra played selections throughout the evening. Orchestra director Catherine Gagnon spoke about the all-volunteer orchestra. She said Avedisian built “bridges” between groups in the community.

“Scott has shared the wealth with us all,” she said.

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  • Thecaptain

    Avedisian should be in handcuffs.

    Sunday, June 24, 2018 Report this