 |
|
11/20/2025
|
Rep. McGaw, United Way honor Zani, Aquidneck Food Pantry
|
 STATE HOUSE – Rep. Michelle McGaw joined the Alliance for Nonprofit Impact at United Way RI last week to honor two local heroes: the Aquidneck Food Pantry and Conley Zani.
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.
Representative McGaw (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton) nominated Zani because she contributes to Portsmouth’s sense of community through a variety of volunteer efforts.
“Conley has been instrumental in making significant infrastructure improvements to the Common Fence Point Community Hall and revitalizing the community outreach that the community center provides to Portsmouth neighbors,” said Representative McGaw. “From writing grants to fund improvements to teaching a Zumba class, Conley takes action at every level to help build a sense of community. She also volunteers to help with improvements at VFW Post 5390 and is the host of Portsmouth This Week, a local YouTube channel to keep residents informed.”
Representative McGaw nominated the Aquidneck Food Pantry for its volunteers’ dedication to addressing hunger in the community.
“This organization originated in the summer of 2020 to help meet the needs of local residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The genesis of the food bank brought to light the need within our local community and, when federal funding was no longer available, volunteers took on the challenge to keep the pantry open. Initially known as St John’s Lodge Food Bank, the organization changed its name in September 2024 to the Aquidneck Food Pantry. While the name changed, the mission has not,” said Representative McGaw.
“I am so grateful for our local volunteers working to bring our community together and meet the needs of our neighbors,” she added.
TOP PHOTO: From left, U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo, Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore, United Way President and CEO Cortney M. Nicolato, Aquidneck Food Pantry Senior Vice President Anne Pierce and President Maryanne Crittendon, Rep. Michelle McGaw and U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner at the Rhode Island Hope Awards ceremony.
BOTTOM PHOTO: From left, U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo, Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore, United Way President and CEO Cortney M. Nicolato, Conley Zani, Rep. Michelle McGaw 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
|
|