Rhode Island Foundation’s most prestigious awards announced

Work includes preserving cultural traditions, promoting healthy lives, enhancing charitable giving

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI), a slew of community arts organizations of color and an attorney who advises Rhode Islanders on charitable giving are this year’s recipients of the Rhode Island Foundation’s most prestigious awards.

BCBSRI received the 2021 Carter Inspiring Partner Award, which recognizes donors that have demonstrated a thoughtful approach and commitment to philanthropy. The organization has long supported community-based health initiatives.

“What inspires me is our vision to passionately lead a state of health and well-being across the state of Rhode Island for all Rhode Islanders. It’s something we do every day to support our members and the community,” said Martha Wofford, president and CEO of BCBSRI. “I’m excited about the path ahead. Our communities have some serious issues to face, but we have the opportunity in our small state to come together to tackle the big problems, and to create a more equitable, better functioning health care system. I’m so excited to partner with the Foundation and with the community to walk down that path together.”

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence, Rhode Island Free Clinic, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT and Newport Mental Health are just a few of the organizations whose work BCBSRI supports.

“Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island has made an unwavering promise to support and sustain improvements in health in Rhode Island, regardless of changing business cycles or fluctuations in the economy,” said Foundation President and CEO Neil D. Steinberg, who noted that the award honors philanthropists Letitia and the late John Carter.

The alumni of the Rhode Island Expansion Arts program received the Community Leadership Award, which recognizes innovation, impact, commitment and leadership. The graduates were honored for celebrating and preserving their cultural traditions and sharing them with the wider Rhode Island community.

“Rhode Island Expansion Arts Program is a multi-year, capacity-building program that offers unrestricted funding to culturally specific organizations that are led by people of color,” said Elena Calderón Patiño, director of the Community Arts Program at the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, which supports the program along with the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities and the Foundation. “Rhode Island is an amazing place where there is a unique mixture of art, people and cultures that creates a beautiful tapestry of collaborations throughout the state.” 

Quisqueya in Action, the Tomaquag Museum, the India Association of Rhode Island, Oasis International, Rhode Island Black Storytellers, the Korean American Association of Rhode Island, the Hmong United Association of Rhode Island, the Colombian American Cultural Society and Sankofa Community Connection are among more than 35 organizations that have received funding over the years. 

James C. Sullivan received the Harold B. Soloveitzik Professional Leadership Award, which recognizes a member of the professional advisor community who has demonstrated an enduring commitment to philanthropy. 

“It’s an honor to receive this award in Harold Soloveitzik’s name. I had the pleasure of knowing him. Harold Soloveitzik was an attorney who practiced in Westerly for decades. He was highly regarded in the Rhode Island Bar Association. Knowing how he impacted his community, this is truly an honor,” he said.

Sullivan practices at Sullivan & Sullivan in North Kingstown. His work is focused in the areas of estate planning and administration. He is one of five attorneys in Rhode Island to have earned the Certified Elder Law Attorney designation.

About the Rhode Island Foundation

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Working with generous and visionary donors, the Foundation raised $68 million and awarded a record $87 million in grants in 2020. Since its centennial five years ago, the Foundation has awarded more than $284 million in grants and has raised more than $328 million. Through leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.

PHOTO CAPTION: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island CEO Martha Wofford with the 2021 Carter Inspiring Partner Award from the Rhode Island Foundation. The Rhode Island Expansion Arts program and James C. Sullivan also were honored with awards.