Here with the 12 Charity Connection, you can choose to learn more or join us in support of any of the charitable community events that we’ve partnered with that are of most interest to you happening throughout the year. Most are getting back into full swing post-pandemic, while some are still adjusted or are held as virtual events. Learn more below and keep this page in your bookmarks!
WPRI 12 & FOX Providence are proud media partners of all the community events listed here.
BROWSE BELOW OR JUMP TO UPCOMING CHARITY EVENT: PANCREATIC CANCER ACTION NETWORK | AUTISM PROJECT | POTTER LEAGUE || PAST EVENTS
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Roger Williams Park Zoo – Zoobilee 2023
Zoobilee! Feast with the Beasts is back June 24, 2023
Save the Date: Zoobilee is back in-person on June 24, 2023!
Zoobilee! Feast with the Beasts presented by BankRI returns to celebrate its 31st year on Saturday, June 24th. This event is the Zoo’s largest single-night fundraiser featuring fine fare from dozens of the area’s best restaurants and beverage providers. Enjoy fabulous entertainment including live music from Mystique, dancing, exclusive access to Dinosaurs Among Us and other fun surprises! It’s the wildest time you’ll ever have supporting a good cause! VIP admission opens at 6:00 pm with general admission opening at 7:00 pm. All food samples are included; hydration stations and cash bars available. This is an adults-only evening event (21+).
- 7 PM General Admission (1 ticket) – $150.00*
- 6 PM VIP Admission & recognition in Program (2 tickets) – $500.00
- 6 PM VIP Admission & recognition in Program (4 tickets) – $1,000.00
*RWPZ Members receive a $25 discount off each general admission ticket (limit 2 at the member rate). Discount will automatically apply at checkout.
Learn More & Connect With This Charity »
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106th Feast of Blessed Sacrament
August 3rd – August 6th
Festivities include Portuguese cuisine and continuous entertainment, including cabaret performers in the museum courtyard. There are also rides and games on the carnival midway. New Bedford’s largest parade takes place annually on Sunday in the North End.
Where: 50 Madeira Ave, New Bedford, MA
August 3, 2023 – Thursday – 6:00 PM – 11:45 PM
August 4, 2023 – Friday – 5:00 PM – 11:45 PM
August 5, 2023 – Saturday – 12 Noon – 11:45 PM
August 6, 2023 – Sunday – 12 Noon – 11:45 PM
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RECENT EVENTS & CHARITIES HELD WITH GREAT SUCCESS – Thank you to so many for generous giving and support!
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The Autism Project: 21st Annual Imagine Walk
SUNDAY, APRIL 30 10 A.M. @ GODDARD MEMORIAL PARK
We are excited to be back in the park this year!
WPRI 12 has been a longtime partner with The Imagine Walk.
At The Autism Project we strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment where individuals and their families feel safe, respected, and supported.
We are committed to our mission and the community!
Funds raised through the 20th Annual Imagine Walk will go directly towards programs, services and trainings for children, teens and adults living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families, caretakers and the professionals who support them.
We will be following the state department of health guidelines as well as the CDC guidelines as it pertains to social distancing, masks and other regulations.
Ways you can help
- Step up and register!
- Create a team
- Join a Team
- Create an individual fundraising page
- Spread the word and share the event page
- Donate to TAP
Learn More & Connect With This Charity »
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Love Bash for Animals
SATURDAY, MAY 6
Join us for this year’s LoveBash for Animals!
The LoveBash for Animals is back! Yes, we’re fur real. Our premier spring fundraiser – which helps save the lives of thousands of homeless, abused, and neglected animals each year – is finally back in person.
On Saturday, May 6, 2023, we are hosting our LoveBash for Animals party, where you can enjoy dinner, libations, silent and live auctions, entertainment, and more.
Bid on items in our mobile silent auction from Friday, April 14th to Saturday, May 6.
At the LoveBash for Animals, you can enjoy a unique and up-close look at the life-saving services we provide. Meet with shelter staff, visit adoptable animals, and see firsthand how your support helps save lives.
View sponsorship opportunities here.
For more information about the event, including ticket purchase or sponsorship information, please email: development@potterleague.org
Learn More & Connect With This Charity »
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PanCAN: PurpleStride Rhode Island 2023
SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2023
We’re back in person again! Join us for PanCAN PurpleStride Rhode Island on Saturday, April 29, 2023.
It’s the first time in history that 59 PanCAN PurpleStride events will happen on the same day. This means more awareness and more funds to keep PanCAN’s programs running so patients and families don’t have to navigate pancreatic cancer alone.
The first step to ending Pancreatic Cancer
Register today for PanCAN PurpleStride Rhode Island – it’s FREE!
Pancreatic cancer patients and families are counting on you – PurpleStride is the number‑one way we raise funds to end pancreatic cancer.
BROWSE BELOW OR JUMP TO CHARITY ARCHIVE EVENT: MEETING STREET TELETHON | TOYS FOR TOTS | DAY OF GIVING: RI FOOD BANK | SCOUTING FOR FOOD DRIVE | SPECIAL OLYMPICS RI | WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S | TOYS FOR TOTS | SPECIAL OLYMPICS RI | POTTER LEAGUE | NEXSTAR HUNGER ACTION MONTH | WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S | AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY | CVS HEALTH CHARITY CLASSIC | RI BLOOD CENTER | ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO | WATERFIRE PROVIDENCE
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Special Olympics: Torch Run Plunge
Sunday, March 26, 2023
Once again we’re helping the amazing athletes of Special Olympics Rhode Island by plunging for a purpose. Join in this event or just support it! Freeze for a reason with your family, friends, athletes, and WPRI 12’s Mike Montecalvo, and Tony Petrarca at Salty Brine Beach, Narragansett on March 26th.
Registration begins at 10:00am
PLUNGE: 12:00pm
$50 MINIMUM DONATION TO PLUNGE!
For more information, please contact Tracy Garabedian at tracy@specialolympicsri.org
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47th Annual Meeting Street Telethon
Saturday, February 4, 2023 | 7-11 PM
WPRI 12, Fox Providence and The CW Providence are once again teaming up with Meeting Street and Cardi’s Furniture for a night of fundraising and fun. The annual drive will be live and back with a party on location this year on WPRI 12 and WPRI.com at 7 p.m. on February 4, 2023.
- 47th Annual Meeting Street Telethon back to full in-person format live from Meeting Street School
- Meeting Street Coverage on WPRI.com
- Last Year: 46th Annual Meeting Street Telethon – A night of fundraising and fun: Meeting Street Telethon raises $1,064,405
Learn More & Connect With This Charity »
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Toys For Tots 2022
Day of Giving (Benefiting the RI Food Bank)
It’s the season of giving and we at WPRI 12 & FOX Providence are asking for your help on one day, with one goal: to feed local families in need.
Today, we’re devoting the entire day to raising money for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, which more than ever needs your assistance to replenish its pantries.
Partnering with WPRI 12 on this effort is Citizens, who has made a corporate pledge to match up to $10,000 for all funds donated today.
If you’re able, please consider donating to help make someone’s holiday more food secure.
Learn More & Connect With This Charity »
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Scouting For Food Drive 2022
October 29th – November 5th
A yellow tag will be placed on your door knob Saturday, Oct 29th. Please leave your food donation at the door and a scout will be coming by Saturday Nov. 5th to collect.
All the food will then be taken to the RI Food Bank to fill their pantry and help feed the local families in need.
Each year, Scouts in our community collect as much as 200,000 pounds of food for our neighbors from generous Rhode Islanders through their annual Scouting for Food Drive.
If you don’t have a Scout in your neighborhood, you can still participate by making a monetary donation to the Food Bank. The Food Bank makes purchases in bulk, so we’re able to stretch your contribution even further, to acquire and distribute more food for people in need.
Donations can also be dropped off at sites around Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and food can be purchased online through the food bank’s website.
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Special Olympics Rhode Island: Celebrate the Movement 2022 Walk-A-Thon
October 23, 2022
You choose how you participate:
- 5K Timed Run through the neighborhoods of Garden City, Cranston
- 5K Walk (not timed) along the same route as the run
- Half-mile loop casual stroll through Garden City Center
- Virtual- run, walk or any activity you choose when and where you like!
Register by October 10th for $30 per person and receive a T shirt. On or after October 10th will be $40.
At Garden City Center on October 23rd:
- 8am Registration
- 9am Shotgun Start
- Includes Awards, Music, Food, Raffles & Incentives
Additional fundraising encouraged! Set up your own page and fundraising goal, then ask friends & family to support you. You can earn Celebrate the Movement incentives…stay tuned for more news of exciting prizes!
Each and every dollar raised goes directly to support the 3,000 athletes currently participating in our year-round programs of sports training, athletic competition, leadership and health.
Please join hundreds of walkers & runners either online, or in-person at Garden City and show your support of the great athletes of Special Olympics Rhode Island. Our entire Special Olympics Rhode Island family is working tirelessly to ignite the winning spirit of our athletes, coaches, and volunteers. Support Special Olympics Rhode Island and have a great time doing it!
Learn More & Connect With This Charity »
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2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Sunday, October 2, 2022 – Providence, RI
Join Mike Montecalvo and WPRI 12 & FOX Providence in this great cause and walk to end Alzheimer’s disease.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s is happening — and you can join us at your local event or Walk From Home in your neighborhood. No matter where you participate, know that your health and safety are our top priorities.
We will continue to closely monitor CDC, state and local guidelines to ensure Walk events adhere to the latest recommendations
2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s held at Roger Williams Park
Share using #Walk2EndAlz and #ENDALZ
Learn More & Connect With This Charity »
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Hunger Action Month: Nexstar stations to raise awareness for Feeding America
Month of September
Nexstar Media Group’s television stations across the country will mark Hunger Action Month by creating local stories and generating awareness through a promotional campaign for Feeding America’s network of food banks across the nation.
For 40 years, Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization, has responded to the hunger crisis in America by helping provide food to people facing hunger through a nationwide network of food banks. Today, the network consists of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs throughout the country.
Learn More & Connect With This Charity »
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WPRI 12/Nexstar Founder’s Day of Caring
June 15-16, 2023
An annual tradition for the entire staff at WPRI 12, FOX Providence, myRITV, and The CW Providence–a day of volunteering and giving back to local communities.
This year’s service brings various groups of our station staff to various locations in RI and SE Mass. WPRI 12 is one of 170 Nexstar stations across the country participating in Nexstar’s Founder’s Day of Caring. More information and details on this year’s day/s of service coming soon.
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Special Olympics Torch Run Truck Convoy
DATE: Sunday, May 22nd
NEW LOCATION: IGT Parking Lot, West Greenwich, RI
Family friendly activities! DJ, vendor area, raffles & much more!
The Torch Run Truck Convoy for Special Olympics is a national one-day celebration
of the trucking industry, its allied partners and law enforcement all working together to
help raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics and their amazing athletes.
Types of Trucks Allowed:
Semi-trucks, truck/trailer combinations, large trucks, low-boys,
dump trucks, flat beds, buses, large tow trucks, large box trucks, bobtail tractors and tankers (empty) etc.
All trucks entering the convoy must be of 10,000 GVW or larger. No hazardous materials are permitted.
Event Schedule:
7:30am – 8:30am: Registration & Breakfast
8:45am: Welcome & Opening Ceremony, Safety Meeting
9:00am: Truck Convoy Begins
Return to IGT Parking Lot for lunch and participant recognition
Time
Sunday at 7:30 am
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Crossroads Rhode Island – Women Helping Women
Save the Date: Thursday, May 11, 2023 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Graduate Providence
Mark your calendars! Crossroads is excited to announce that our 15th Annual Women Helping Women Fundraising event will be held on Thursday, May 11th.
This year’s in person event will offer guests exciting opportunities to:
- Learn firsthand about the critical work that Crossroads’ front line staff accomplish daily as they provide support and guidance to each client in shelter and housing
- Meet a client and understand her journey from homelessness to home
- Network with event participants in a cocktail-style setting, engage in meaningful conversations and connect with other influential women across Rhode Island
- Support the most vulnerable women in our community with the critical help they need to make it through these challenging times, including emergency shelter, housing, education and employment programs, and more.
- How You Can Help »
Your support of this event will help hundreds of women in need overcome their homelessness. And these women – our grandmothers, mothers, sisters and daughters – need your help more than ever. We look forward to “seeing” you on May 11! More updates to follow.
Save the date!
Learn More & Connect With This Charity »
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Potter League – Heart & Sole Walk for Animals
Sunday, October 24 @ 10:00 am – 2 pm
The Potter League is excited to announce that the 32nd annual walk will be held at a new location! Join us at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI this year. Enjoy a fun-filled dog walk, music, a sponsor & vendor marketplace, food trucks, special activities for dogs and kids, and a festive atmosphere celebrating the special bond between animals and people.
The Heart & Sole Walk for Animals is a beloved tradition and in addition to raising essential funds to support our lifesaving work, it’s an opportunity for animal lovers to join together in creating a more humane Rhode Island for people and pets alike.
Help Animals in Need
The Heart & Sole Walk for Animals is our biggest fundraiser of the year, with proceeds helping to save the lives of thousands of animals in our community with programs such as foster care, spay/neuter, adoptions, animal rescue, affordable veterinary care and more. In addition to the Heart & Sole Walk, you and your pup can stroll through our Flea-less Marketplace, enjoy tasty food truck treats and take part in our awesome contests!
Earn Prizes
Raise funds for the animals while earning awesome prizes and compete to be the Top Fundraiser or Top Fundraising Team! All registered walkers who raise $50 will receive a t-shirt and a selection of prizes based on your fundraising total.
The Potter League’s Heart & Sole Walk for the Animals is celebrating you, the animals you love and everything that makes Rhode Island a haven for pet lovers. Funds raised by walkers are used to find homes for pets, heal injured pets, and provide much needed services to those who love them.
So save the date and join and support the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals in October!
Learn More & Connect With This Charity »
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American Cancer Society – Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Wednesday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m.
COVID-19 is putting a lot at risk right now, including the fight against breast cancer. But this is one fight that can’t be cancelled or postponed. This October join the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Providence Drive-In on Wednesday, October 21 starting at 7:00p.m. at the historic Rustic Drive-In in North Smithfield. Survivors, caregivers, and community members interested in this one-of-a-kind Making Strides experience are asked to make a donation to attend.
This socially distant event will bring elements of the Making Strides experience to supporters while maintaining safety guidelines and regulations. Donors will be able to park their cars, listen to inspiring stories, and get involved in the many aspects that are usual walk in Downtown Providence has to offer year after year. Select films will be playing on the three movies screens following the short program.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has always been more than a walk – it is a movement. Because of the pandemic, this fall may look different, but the community’s passion to end breast cancer must stay the same. The impact of COVID-19 will reduce our ability to fund cancer research by 50% in 2020 – the Society’s lowest investment this century if current trends continue. Communities, survivors, and caregivers are encouraged to rally around the fight and help raise crucial funds.
The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer movement raises awareness and funds to end breast cancer and ensure that no one faces this disease alone. Since 1993, more than 15 million supporters have raised more than $935 million nationwide.
Funds raised through the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer enable the American Cancer Society to invest in groundbreaking research; provide free, comprehensive information and support to those touched by breast cancer; and help people take steps to reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable.
Donate and learn more at www.MakingStridesWalk.org/ProvidenceRI
The fight against cancer won’t be postponed.
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Rhode Island Blood Center
PPAC & WPRI 12 Blood Drive
Thursday October 8, 2020 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Grand Lobby – 220 Weybosset St., Providence
Help us save the community blood supply to save lives. Donations by appointment and free parking. Blood donors will receive a thank you gift from Boscov’s.
GO TO: ribc.org/arts to reserve your appointment and use sponsor code 3991
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Special Olympics Rhode Island
Celebrate the Movement “Fitness and Fundraising Challenge”
Week of September 26 through October 3, 2020
During this pandemic, the athletes of Special Olympics Rhode Island have had their world turned upside down. As more of their activities have been taken away from them, our athletes have come to rely upon their Special Olympics Rhode Island family to be there for them. Even through these challenging times, we promote their physical and emotional health virtually, and are carefully planning to return to play in mid-August with strict guidelines in place.
Special Olympics Rhode Island has developed a new and innovative way to stay fit, be socially responsible and will allow you to support our great athletes. Celebrate the Movement is a virtual fitness and fundraising challenge for the week of September 26 through October 3, 2020. You pick the activity and set your goal. For example, maybe you’ll run a marathon distance in one week. Then ask everyone you know to support you through your fundraising page at charityfootprints.com/sori2020. It’s easy and lots of fun to reach your goals!
Complete schedule of events coming soon.
Live and prerecorded video of the events will be streamed on Facebook and additional details will be available soon.
Learn More & Connect With This Charity »
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Waterfire Providence
Waterfire Relief Fund
These are extraordinary times. WaterFire Providence is an extraordinary organization. WaterFire faces an extraordinary crisis. Help WaterFire survive.
Due to the current CORONA VIRUS pandemic, we do not currently have any WaterFire lightings scheduled. We are hard at work to ensure that when circumstance permit we’ll be able to hit the ground running and hopefully have an abridge lighting season this fall. We’ll see you soon down by rivers!
For 25 years WaterFire has been transforming place and building community in downtown Providence with impacts that reach into every corner of Rhode Island. More recently, with the opening of the WaterFire Arts Center in the underserved Valley/Olneyville neighborhood, we make world-class art, like Berlin artist Ryan Mendoza’s The Rosa Parks House Project and British artist Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon, accessible for all. We believe in and are committed to #Art4Impact. Make a Donation
Stay tuned for more news and event dates. In the meantime please check out the WaterFire Arts Center event schedule.
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