June 28, 2019 (Smithfield, RI) – Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island kicked off its 25th Anniversary Charitable Giving program – recognizing members and non-profit organizations who are making a difference in Rhode Island – at its annual all-staff meeting held on June 13 at its Smithfield office. Through the program, Neighborhood is making a series of donations on behalf of members totaling $10,000 to deserving organizations who are making Rhode Island a healthier, happier place to live. All of the donations will be awarded by the end of the year.
Lincoln resident Eloise Ricci was the first to be honored through the program. Over the past 18 years, Ricci has opened her home to more than 60 foster children – adopting five of them while already raising four biological children with her husband. Neighborhood came to know Ricci as the primary health insurance plan for children in foster care. As a result of her selfless service and commitment to Rhode Island children, Neighborhood invited Ricci to select the first non-profit organization to benefit from its 25th Anniversary Charitable Giving Program. Ricci selected Adoption Rhode Island, which partners with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, to implement the Foundation’s signature adoption program Wendy’s Wonderful Kids. The program focuses on finding adoptive homes for older children, sibling groups and children with special needs.
“We are delighted to extend our mission even further through this special program that celebrates our 25th anniversary,” said Peter Marino, president and CEO of Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island. “It’s a meaningful way to honor extraordinary Rhode Islanders like Eloise – who has positively impacted the lives of numerous foster children – as well as recognize and support the important work that incredible organizations like Adoption Rhode Island are doing. We look forward to making additional donations to non-profit organizations throughout the year as we learn of compelling member stories and causes that are important to them.”
Marino recognized Ricci in front of nearly 500 Neighborhood employees and presented a check in her honor to Adoption Rhode Island staff.
Neighborhood is a non-profit HMO founded to ensure that every Rhode Island resident has access to high-quality, low-cost health care.