In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, St. Mary’s Home for Children will honor Mayor Scott Avedisian and the CarterCare Foundation for their contributions to children.

On Thursday, April 6, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Café Nuovo, the Children’s Friendship Award will be presented to Avedisian and CharterCare Foundation. The Children’s Friendship Award is presented to an individual or organization that has displayed unending dedication to the well-being of children. The recipient has demonstrated kind acts of philanthropy and volunteerism to honor the mission of St. Mary’s Home for Children.

Mayor Avedisian has been a long time supporter and former member of the Board of Directors of St. Mary’s. He continues in his role as an Honorary Vice-President and is an advocate for children. CharterCARE Foundation provides assistance to many organizations in our area and provides funding to assist our residential programs.

Representative Deborah Ruggiero is Emcee of the event. Danielle North of WPRI and Daniel Koppen, formerly with the New England Patriots are special event guests. Major sponsors are MFM Gemini Consulting, Weybosset Research & Management, Navigant Credit Union and Stepping Up.

Tickets for the evening, which includes hors d’oevres are $85 per person (cash bar). Multiple sponsorship opportunities are available. For information, please call Susan DeRita, Development Officer, 353-3900 x262, sderita@smhfc.org or visit www.smhfc.org

Carlene Casciano-McCann, is Executive Director of St. Mary’s Home for Children located at 420 Fruit Hill Avenue, North Providence. Since 1877, St. Mary’s has been caring for Rhode Island’s children. From its beginnings as an orphanage, St. Mary’s has evolved into Rhode Island’s most comprehensive treatment facility for boys and girls who may have been traumatized by abuse and those experiencing psychiatric and/or emotional challenges.