Newest Members of Big Sisters of Rhode Island’s “Magical Circle” Honored At 3rd Abracadabra Ball

 April 10, 2010

CRANSTON, R.I., -- On Saturday, April 10, 2010, 250 guests honored the five newest members of Big Sisters of Rhode Island’s “Magical Circle” at its Abracadabra Ball. The women were honored for both their personal achievements and their work performed on behalf of the community. The five newest members of the “Magical Circle” include:

• Helena B. Foulkes: Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, CVS Caremark
  
• Rev. Betsy Aldrich Garland: Interim Minister of Edgewood Congregational Church
  
• Susan A. Keller: Partner, Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP
  
• Marie Langlois: Managing Director, Washington Trust Investors
  
• Linda H. Newton: Vice President, Community Relations, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island

Click here to view past honorees.

The third gala for Big Sisters was held at the Providence Biltmore Hotel and WPRI-TV 12's Karen Adams served as the Master of Ceremonies and auctioneer for the magical event. Robert A. DiMuccio, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Amica Mutual Insurance Company, and his wife, Renamarie, served as the honorary co-chairs.

The black-tie-optional event was kicked off with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. Guests were then welcomed into the ballroom where the event continued with dinner, a fun flambe dessert, and a program filled with touching stories and magical surprises.

Big Sister Maggie Picot and her Little Sister Rosemary shared their story with the audience, through an on-stage interview with Karen Adams.

The first Legacy Award was presented to Rhode Island College Professor Emerita Dorothy Pieniadz, also a founding mother of Big Sisters of Rhode Island. (Click here to view Dr. Pieniadz's bio)

A live auction followed and guests danced the remainder of the night to the music of Felix Brown.

Big Sisters of Rhode Island netted more than $66,000 from the Abracadabra Ball. The money will allow the statewide agency to continue to mentor at-risk girls throughout Rhode Island.

Some of the event’s generous sponsors included Amgen, Amica, Bryant University, CVS Caremark, GTECH, MetLife, Delta Dental of Rhode Island, Duffy & Sweeney, Ltd., Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP, Hasbro, Inc., Dr. Dorothy Pieniadz, Savers, Inc., and The Washington Trust Company.