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The Pawtucket Foundation's Annual Awards Celebration

Record attendance as Foundation presents 2010 Awards

Momentum, a recurring theme of The Pawtucket Foundation's 7th Annual Awards Celebration

The evening of April 27, 2010 is one that will be remembered for setting a tone of momentum for Pawtucket and the Foundation. Nearly 400 guests attended the event, entering a completely transformed space at the Pawtucket Armory Center for the Arts, complete with mist, stylish lighting and bold colors. During the cocktail reception guests enjoyed live entertainment by the J.M. Walsh School for the Arts' jazz and show bands. JMW art student also displayed sculpture and two-dimensional art pieces.

As the presentation began, Master of Ceremonies, Michael Horan greeted guests and introduced Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts and Pawtucket Mayor James Doyle to make opening remarks. Executive Director, Thomas Mann presented the Foundation's video production Momentum: ^Building a Bridge to Prosperity, which set an up-lifting tone for the rest of the evening. Reverand Nelson Estrada from the Chinese Christian Church offered an invocation before guests dined on a delicious plate of lobster stuffed chicken breasts with broccoli and sweet potatoes catered by Russell Morin.

Foundation Co-Chairman, Daniel Sullivan presented the Person of the Year Award to Mr. Louis C. Yip. Sullivan highlighted the restaurateur turned developer for having invested more than $30 million dollars in local real-estate and continuing to transform buildings in and around Pawtucket's downtown. Mr. Yip graciously accepted the award making sure to thank his wife Florence, the Lynch Family and long-time friend and business partner, Sunny Ng.

Jack Partridge, Sullivan's fellow Co-Chairman, recognized the Foundation's two 2010 Heritage Award Honorees. Presenting first to James R. Hoyt, Jr & the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, Partridge recognized the Club's more than 100 years in operation and Mr. Hoyt's 30 years of dedicated service. Partridge went on to note that the Club has flourished under Mr. Hoyt's guidance, recently receiving a prestigious award from Bank of American and having local member Carolina Correa, honored as National Youth of the Year. Accepting the honor Mr. Hoyt thanked his family, board of directors and each of his fellow staff members.

Presenting to Esselton T. McNulty & the YMCA of Pawtucket, Partridge commended the YMCA's commitment to Pawtucket for more than 120 years and Mr. McNulty's 40 years of local work at the organization. Also highlighted were Mr. McNulty's leadership in remodeling the YMCA's Summer Street location, expanding services and budget responsibility. Mr. McNulty took time to thank his collegues and family and commended the other honorees.

Thomas Mann, Foundation Executive Director, presented a Special Distinction Award to Ms. Phyllis Van Orden Nathanson for her steadfast commitment to the arts and community revitalization. Mann noted her vision for building an artist community and ability to attract high quality tenants to Pawtucket's mills and downtown. Ms. Nathanson thanked her husband Morris, as he had brought her to Pawtucket and had the original vision for rebuilding this great community.

The Pawtucket Foundation would like to thank:

Event Sponsors:

Table sponsors:

AAA Southern New England
Ahlers Designs
Alliance Blackstone Valley FCU
Bank of America
Bank Rhode Island
Blackstone Studios
Blackstone Valley Community Action Partnership
Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket
Citizens Bank
Hasbro, Inc.
Lerner, Ladds & Bartels
Memorial Hospital
Michael Horan Law
Narragansett Bay Insurance Company
Pui O, Inc.
Rosinha's Restaurant
Slater Cotton Mill
Urban Smart Growth
Vanasee Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
YMCA of Pawtucket

Sponsors In-kind:

Ahler's Designs
ATR Treehouse
Bank of America
Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
Bristol County Savings Bank
Collette Vacations
Excellent Coffee
Fine Catering by Russell Morin
J.M. Walsh School for the Arts
Liberty Tax
Mercury Print and Mail
Memorial Hospital
Navigant Credit Union
Pawtucket Armory Association
Pawtucket Redsox
Quality Rental
Rosinha's Restaurant
The Pawtucket Times
Sandra Fienstein Gamm Theatre