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11/18/2025 Sen. Ujifusa, United Way honor Gloria Schmidt, Benjamin Church Senior Center
Nov. 18, 2025                                                         MRW
Sen. Linda Ujifusa at (401) 472-4721
 


STATE HOUSE – Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa joined United Way in honoring the Benjamin Church Senior Center and local historian Gloria Schmidt for their outstanding contributions to the East Bay community.

Both received the 2025 Rhode Island Hope Award, a new award that United Way intends to bestow annually to outstanding nonprofit organizations and volunteers to recognize the critical impact of their service on their communities.

The organization asked state legislators to nominate nonprofits and volunteers from their communities. The awards were presented Thursday at a State House ceremony attended by many state legislators, Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo and Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore.

Senator Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol) nominated Gloria Schimdt for her research into local history and her successful efforts to share that knowledge with the community.

“Besides researching and writing the incredible Portsmouth RI history notes blog, Gloria is a tireless educator and event organizer for multiple groups including the Battle of Rhode Island and the Portsmouth Historical Society,” said Senator Ujifusa.

Senator Ujifusa nominated the Benjamin Church Senior Center and its Executive Director Donna Corona Wilson for their dedication and success in supporting a vibrant community for Bristol’s older population.

“Donna’s hard work, warmth, enthusiasm and commitment to improving the lives of our local seniors has been an inspiration to me,” said Senator Ujifusa.

In top photo: From left, Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo, Gloria Schmidt, United Way President and CEO Cortney M. Nicolato, Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa and U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner at the Rhode Island Hope Awards ceremony.

In bottom photo: From left, Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo, United Way President and CEO Cortney M. Nicolato, Benjamin Church Senior Center Executive Director Donna Corona Wilson, Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa and U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner at the Rhode Island Hope Awards ceremony.




For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923